Psychiatric aspects of criminal homicide in Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the Psychiatric aspects of homicide in Nigeria, and, the psychosocial and forensic background of homicide offenders in Nigeria; to determine the role of the mental health services in the disposal of the accused by the criminal justice system.


METHODS
Retrospective study, involving interview of homicide convicts and, the scrutiny of court and prison documents for relevant clinico-forensic data.


METHODS
Federal Prison, Jos, Nigeria.


RESULTS
One hundred and eighteen subjects participated in the study. Psychotic disorder (mainly paranoid schizophrenia) and alcohol intoxication accounted for the offenses of 28 (24%) accused. Amnesia for the events occurred in psychotic offenders. Psychiatric services were underutilised in the trial and disposal of the accused. Marked psychosocial maladjustment in offenders was suggested by a high rate (45%) of substance use disorders predating the homicide events. Thirty three (28%) offenders had dysfunctional family circumstances. Eighty six per cent of the accused were first time offenders. Adverse life events, predominantly in relation to the victims, were reported by 33 (28%) of the accused in the month predating the events.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatric disorders and substance use are significantly involved in homicide events in Nigeria. There is a need for close liaison between the psychiatric and criminal justice systems, in the disposal of all homicide accused. A continuing study of homicide in Nigeria is recommended, to bridge the gap in our present level of knowledge.
Mafullul
Y M
YM
Rampton Hospital, Retford, England, DN22 OPD.
Ogunlesi
O A
OA
Sijuwola
O A
OA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006708:Homicide / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007298:Insanity Defense; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011330:Prisons; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017678:Sex Distribution