Predisposing Factors and Vulnerabilities of Females’ Involvements in Armed Robbery in Nigeria

Abstract Females are serving terms in custody for their involvements in armed robbery but there are limited published articles in this regard in Nigeria. However, factors that make females vulnerable and pull them into armed robbery have been assumed to be same with the males which may not be correct. This study therefore, examined the peculiar push and pull factors that predispose females into armed robbery in Nigeria. It is hinged on Differential Association theory by Sutherland (1947). The key participants purposefully selected were sixty-one female armed robbery convicts in custody at the three major correctional centers in three southwestern states in Nigeria; Lagos, Ogun and Oyo in 2022. Interviews were conducted to elicit information from the participants and data gathered were thematically analyzed bringing out themes derived from the interviews. The study revealed that majority of the females involved in armed robbery were pushed into it based on their emotional attachments to male armed robbers, assistance rendered to the males in their hustling and deals while many were pulled into it because of the financial gains attached to it. The study therefore recommends amongst others that females need to consider their family background, family name, future, not immediate gratification, and the effects of their actions on their significant others before rendering any assistance or actions that violate the laws to anyone including females.