The intersection of poverty and the criminal justice system disproportionately affects marginalized women in Nigeria by trapping them in cycles of incarceration and socio-economic exclusion. Despite legal protections, women in poverty face systemic discrimination, from arbitrary arrests to prolonged pretrial detention and harsh sentencing. This presentation examines the socio-criminal justice implications of women’s incarceration in Nigeria by highlighting how poverty exacerbates their vulnerability within the justice system. The presentation has three key objectives: (1) to analyze the socio-economic factors that contribute to women’s incarceration, (2) to assess the impact of criminal justice policies on marginalized women, and (3) to explore alternatives to incarceration that promote social justice. Using a doctrinal and empirical research approach, the research reviews legal frameworks, case studies, and qualitative data from formerly incarcerated women. Findings reveal that poverty-driven crimes, lack of legal representation, and gender-insensitive judicial practices increase the likelihood of imprisonment for women. Moreover, incarceration further entrenches poverty by limiting employment opportunities and reinforcing social stigma. This research contributes to knowledge by exposing the socio-economic dimensions of criminal justice in Nigeria and advocating for policy reforms that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. The presentation concludes that addressing the criminalization of poverty requires systemic changes, including gender-responsive legal reforms, improved access to legal aid, and non-custodial sentencing alternatives. A justice system that upholds equity must recognize the structural disadvantages faced by marginalized women and provide pathways for reintegration rather than perpetuating cycles of incarceration.
Yewande Fatoki’s research interest is multidisciplinary with special interest in issues relating to criminal justice, gender rights and justice, international human rights, victim justice, and juvenile justice. She is committed to advancing legal scholarship and contributing to the development of equitable and transparent justice systems globally.