THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM’S RESPONSE TO NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVIDENCE IN CASES OF PEDOPHILIA AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN NIGERIA

The Challenges and Opportunities of the Criminal Justice System’s Response to Neuropsychological Evidence in Cases on Pedophilia and Sexual Assault in Nigeria,” examines the increasing global and Nigerian prevalence of pedophilia and sexual assault, noting the limited comprehensive data available. It defines both pedophilia as a psychiatric disorder and sexual assault as non-consensual acts, highlighting the severe psychological, physical, and emotional impacts on victims. The research explores the concept of neuropsychological evidence, which assesses brain function and behavior, and its potential utility in the criminal justice system for understanding offenders’ mental states. However, it identifies significant challenges in integrating such evidence into the Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Togolese legal frameworks. These challenges include a lack of awareness, limited access to expert resources, pervasive cultural stigma surrounding mental health, and insufficient legal provisions. Despite these obstacles, the study identifies several opportunities for improvement through the integration of neuropsychological evidence. These include enhancing the understanding and treatment of offenders, implementing trauma-informed approaches for victims, improving forensic assessments and legal decisions, developing mental health resources, fostering international collaboration, and shifting public attitudes and legal precedents towards a more nuanced understanding of sexual violence. The ultimate aim is to provide an evidence-based approach for improved crime investigation, promoting evidence-based policies, and mitigating cultural bias in the Nigerian criminal justice system, while prioritizing justice for victims.