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PSYCHIATRIC ASPECTS OF CRIMINAL HOMICIDE IN NIGERIA
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the Psychiatric aspects of homicide in Nigeria, and, the psychosocial
and forensic background of homicide offenders in Nigeria; to determine the role of the
mental health services in the disposal of the accused by the criminal justice system.
Design: Retrospective study, involving interview of homicide convicts and, the scrutiny of
court and prison documents for relevant clinico-forensic data.
Setting: Federal Prison, Jos, Nigeria.
Results: One hundred and eighteen subjects participated in the study. Psychotic disorder
(m;tinly paranoid schizophrenia) and alcohol intoxication accounted for the offences of 28
(24 %) accused. Amnesia for the events occurred in psychotic offenders. Psychiatric services
were underutilised in the trial and disposal of the accused. Marked psychosocial maladjustment
in offenders was suggested by a high rate (45%) of substance use disorders predating the
homicide events. Thirty three (28%) offenders had dysfunctional family circumstances.
Eighty six per cent of the accused were first time offenders. Adverse life events, predominantly
in relation to the victims, were reported by 33 (28%) of the accused in the month predating
the events.
Conclusions: Psychiatric disorders and substance use are significantly involved in homicide
events in Nigeria. There is a need for close liaison between the psychiatric and criminal
justice systems, in the disposal of all homicide accused. A continuing study of homicide in
Nigeria is recommended, to bridge the gap in our present level of knowledge.
and forensic background of homicide offenders in Nigeria; to determine the role of the
mental health services in the disposal of the accused by the criminal justice system.
Design: Retrospective study, involving interview of homicide convicts and, the scrutiny of
court and prison documents for relevant clinico-forensic data.
Setting: Federal Prison, Jos, Nigeria.
Results: One hundred and eighteen subjects participated in the study. Psychotic disorder
(m;tinly paranoid schizophrenia) and alcohol intoxication accounted for the offences of 28
(24 %) accused. Amnesia for the events occurred in psychotic offenders. Psychiatric services
were underutilised in the trial and disposal of the accused. Marked psychosocial maladjustment
in offenders was suggested by a high rate (45%) of substance use disorders predating the
homicide events. Thirty three (28%) offenders had dysfunctional family circumstances.
Eighty six per cent of the accused were first time offenders. Adverse life events, predominantly
in relation to the victims, were reported by 33 (28%) of the accused in the month predating
the events.
Conclusions: Psychiatric disorders and substance use are significantly involved in homicide
events in Nigeria. There is a need for close liaison between the psychiatric and criminal
justice systems, in the disposal of all homicide accused. A continuing study of homicide in
Nigeria is recommended, to bridge the gap in our present level of knowledge.
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