Study of the Socioeconomic Profile of Female Offenders in Anambra State Correctional Facilities

Female offending in Nigeria is less frequently studied than male crime, and understanding the socioeconomic backgrounds and pathways into crime among women in correctional facilities is essential for gender-responsive criminal justice reform. This study examined the socioeconomic profiles and offence pathways of female inmates at correctional facilities in Awka and Onitsha, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive qualitative design was adopted, with structured interviews conducted with 40 female inmates consenting to participation, supplemented by review of institutional case records. Interview data covered education, employment, household composition, offence type, prior victimisation history, and reasons for offending. Results showed that drug offences (32.5 percent), theft (27.5 percent), and economic fraud (22.5 percent) were the most common offences. 77.5 percent of respondents had below senior secondary educational attainment. Single-parent or co-dependent household status was reported by 62.5 percent. Prior intimate partner violence victimisation was disclosed by 42.5 percent. Poverty and financial desperation were cited as the primary offending motivation by 70 percent. Post-conviction rehabilitation programmes were accessed by only 27.5 percent of inmates. The study concludes that female offending in Anambra is primarily driven by economic vulnerability and victimisation histories. Recommendations include gender-responsive rehabilitation programmes, legal aid enhancement, and post-release economic reintegration support for female ex-offenders.

Keywords: female offenders, criminology, correctional facilities, socioeconomic profile, Anambra State