Juvenile Justice Administration in Nigeria: A Study of Children’s Court Operations in Oyo State

Nigeria's juvenile justice system is governed by a combination of federal legislation, including the Child Rights Act of 2003, and state-level statutes that vary significantly in content and application. Oyo State, one of the progressive South West states to domesticate the Child Rights Act, operates a Children's Court system intended to divert young offenders from the mainstream criminal justice process. This study examines the administration of juvenile justice in Oyo State, focusing on the operations of Children's Courts in Ibadan. A qualitative research design was employed, involving observational data collection at court sessions, interviews with magistrates, probation officers, and defence solicitors, and analysis of court records covering the period 2019 to 2024. Secondary data was obtained from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and academic publications on juvenile justice in West Africa. The findings reveal inconsistencies in the application of child-friendly procedures, inadequate probation infrastructure, and overcrowding in juvenile remand facilities. The research identifies a persistent tendency among some magistrates to apply adult criminal justice principles in juvenile proceedings. Recommendations include mandatory specialised training for Children's Court magistrates, increased funding for probation and rehabilitation services, and legislative amendments to align state law with international juvenile justice standards under the Beijing Rules. This study offers a critical assessment of juvenile justice practice in South West Nigeria. Keywords: juvenile justice, Children's Court, Oyo State, child rights, criminal procedure.