ABSTRACT
This comprehensive research explores the intricate relationships among poverty, criminal behaviour, free will, and legal frameworks in Nigeria used in combating criminal behaviour. It establishes a compelling link between poverty and criminal activities, emphasizing that individuals in impoverished conditions are more susceptible to engaging in unlawful acts due to economic hardships and limited opportunities.
The study examines the role of free will in shaping criminal conduct, highlighting that while poverty is a contributing factor, free will serves as a critical mediating factor. It also identifies additional contributors to criminality, such as desires for wealth, ambitions, cultural influences, and government inconsistencies.
Observational studies support a statistical correlation between crime and poverty, underlining that poverty alone cannot justify criminal behaviour. The legal frameworks of Nigeria are integrated into the analysis, exploring their influence on criminal behaviour, crime prevention, and responses to poverty-related crimes.
To address the challenge of reducing crime and poverty, the research recommends a comprehensive approach, including economic awareness, educational enhancement, governance improvements, the use of social disorganization theory, and strengthening legal frameworks, despite challenges such as corruption and resource constraints.
In conclusion, this study provides a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics involving poverty, crime, and free will in Nigeria. It sheds light on the factors influencing criminal behaviour and contributes substantively to the discourse on crime prevention and poverty alleviation in Nigeria, encompassing the legal dimensions.
