THE The Influence Of Criminal Justice System On Criminal Behaviour Control Among Inmates In Maiduguri Maximum Correctional Centre
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63084/cognexus.v2i2.291Keywords:
Criminal justice system, criminal behaviour, offender rehabilitation, correctional institutions, procedural justice, inmates, recidivism, Effective teaching, teacher perspectives, Ogun State, Nigeria, secondary education, professional developmentAbstract
The efficiency of the criminal justice system in reducing criminal activity remains a major concern, particularly in developing nations where institutional problems typically impair offender rehabilitation. This study examined inmates' perceptions of the influence of the criminal justice system on criminal behaviour among inmates in the Maiduguri Maximum Security Correctional Centre, Nigeria. Specifically, the study analysed inmates' perceptions of criminal justice system effectiveness, institutional problems, ethical practices, rehabilitation programmes, and their perceived effects on criminal activity. A cross-sectional survey design was chosen. Data were acquired from 368 inmates selected by purposive sampling from an estimated inmate population of approximately 4,700. A standardised questionnaire constructed from proven criminological and correctional literature was used for data collection. The instrument revealed satisfactory content validity and internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.87). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings indicate that inmates generally perceived the criminal justice system as effective, notably regarding the preservation of legal rights, ethical conduct, and rehabilitation activities. However, participants noted major institutional impediments, including judicial delays, prison overcrowding, inadequate counselling services, poor rehabilitation programmes, limited access to legal representation, and ineffective inter-agency coordination. Although many offenders indicated remorse and aspirations to adopt law-abiding lifestyles following release, some continued to report criminogenic attitudes, demonstrating that incarceration alone is insufficient to induce enduring behavioural change. Respondents also identified psychiatric assistance, vocational training, educational courses, and fair treatment as essential contributors to recovery and successful reintegration. The study indicates that lasting reductions in criminal conduct require a criminal justice system that combines procedural fairness with evidence-based rehabilitative and psychological therapies. The findings provide empirical information to influence correctional policy and promote current reforms targeted at increasing offender rehabilitation and lowering recidivism in Nigeria.
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