EXAMINING THE TRENDS AND INFLUENCES OF FEMALE CRIMINALITY IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA: A REVIEW ESSAY

TOPE OMOLOLA OMORINBOLA; ADEBIMPE SAHEED FAGBEMI; ABIODUN GHALI ISSA; CHRISTIANA AYAH FAGBEMI

Authors

TOPE OMOLOLA OMORINBOLA Department of Criminology and Security Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9125-6612
ADEBIMPE SAHEED FAGBEMI, PhD Department of Criminology and Forensic Studies, College of Humanities, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban, Republic of South Africa. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1412-3588
ABIODUN GHALI ISSA Forbes School of Business and Technology, University of Arizona Global Campus, Arizona, United States of America. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6218-3323
CHRISTIANA AYAH FAGBEMI Department of Peace and Conflict Resolution, School of Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria, University Village, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9542-7842

Abstract

This study examining the trends and influences of female criminality in Lagos State, Nigeria. The origin of Criminology was animated to studying “criminal man” which means crime was mainly regarded as male’s phenomenon. Even where a female gender commit crime, the offender is viewed as having masculine physiognomies or instead the crime is perceived as misdemeanor or unintended. The study explores the various aspects of female participation in criminal activities, aiming to contribute to the understanding of the environmental, cultural, and socio-economic factors that stimulate criminal behaviour among women in Lagos State. This study was anchored on desktop research, secondary data collection as its methodology, the research draws from existing literature, relevant statistical data, academic articles, almanac, books, internet, to identify prevalent patterns of female criminality in Lagos State. The theoretical thrust of this research was anchored on Gendered pathways theory. The theory was used to explained the behavioural trends of female criminality and the main causes of omission. The findings of this study aim to enlighten on the nature of female criminality in Lagos State, giving insights that may inform policies and interventions meant at preventing and addressing the menace. The study concludes with recommendations that individuals and social institutions should care for and protect the female gender. The government and non-government organizations should provide enabling environment where the female gender will have access to education, skills acquisition, and employment opportunities in order to minimize their involvement in criminal activities.