PREDICTORS OF CULTISM INVOLVEMENT AMONG INCARCERATED YOUTHS IN OGUN STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

Cultism is a societal threat that negates human and societal development, leading to high level of insecurity in Nigeria. The media constantly and persistently reports cases of cultism, which creates fear, tension, mistrust, trauma, and a poor local and international image among Nigerians, which continues to elicit scholarly focus. This study investigated cultism, with a view to examining the socio-economic, psychological, institutional, and symbolic dimensions of youth involvement in cultism in correctional centers in Ogun State. Mixed method was employed . Data were collected purposively using structured questionnaires, which were served to 180 inmates at Oba, Sagamu and Ibara correctional facilities in Ogun State. In-depth interview was conducted to 15 inmates from the three (3) selected correctional facilities. Data were analysed, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS): descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and content analysis were adopted. Community exposure (B = 0.505, p = 0.049), economic pressure (B = 0.674, p = 0.004), isolation (B = 0.660, p = 0.008), sense of identity (B = 0.674, p = 0.005), rehabilitation deficiency (B = 0.735, p = 0.002), institutional effectiveness (B = 0.669, p = 0.008), initiation rituals (B = 0.735, p = 0.002) and ceremonial observances (B = 0.674, p = 0.005) were prime factors that mainly contributed to youth membership in cults. The results showed the need for prevention strategies, psychological counseling, prison reform, and focused rehabilitation. These underscores that addressing cultism among youth inmates requires an approach that considers personal histories, structural inequalities, and institutional reform.