Crime and adolescent drug use in Lagos, Nigeria
Crime and adolescent drug use in Lagos, Nigeria

Summary/Abstract: Mega cities are the common loci of youth-induced criminal activities. Yet, prior studies have not captured all causes and solutions. This study examines the influence of drug abuse on adolescent criminality in Lagos, Nigeria. It used quantitative and qualitative methods. Administered copies of a questionnaire to 150 respondents selected through snowball sampling from strategic locations in Lagos. Quantitative data were analyzed at various levels and qualitative data were content analyzed. Results showed a negative relationship between the fear of police and ever committed crime (-.381**). Potential criminals who used drugs did not see the police as deterrent models. This facilitates crime commission. Those whose parents used drugs (.159**) and the time drug consumption started (.162**) are significant. The study concluded that drug abuse induced predatory crimes are common among adolescents. It advises government to involve social workers in the management of adolescents’ drug abuse-related misconduct right from the family level.

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