Journal of Law and Criminal Justice

Analysing Economic Crimes in Nigeria: The Political Economy Approach
Omoleye Benson Oluwakayode

Abstract
Economic crimes in Nigeria have been on the rise in recent times. There has been a high incidence of crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, advance fee fraud, vandalization of oil pipelines and other property crimes. It seems these criminal activities have a direct correlation with the structure of the Nigerian political economy. This paper thus analyses economic crimes in the country, using the tool of political economy. The findings revealed that the political economy engenders crimes and criminality. The pauperised majority of Nigerians, particularly the unemployed youths have taken to crimes as responses to the oppressive political economy. The paper suggested a restructuring of the political economy to create a more welfare state that will improve the socio-economic conditions of the populace. The methodology of the paper includes the use of primary and secondary sources of information such as legal texts, statutes and the opinions of scholars in this field.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jlcj.v5n2a6