Bio
Dr. Odoma Samuel U. is a dedicated sociologist and criminologist based in Nigeria. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology (Criminology) from Bingham University, where he also served as a faculty member in the Department of Sociology. His academic journey includes a significant stint at Kogi State University, Anyigba, where he contributed to the Department of Sociology. Dr. Odoma's research interests center on crime and social order, with notable publications exploring the dynamics of inter-agency conflict in Nigeria and the socioeconomic underpinnings of kidnapping. He is an active fellow of a scholarly society, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in the social sciences. His work has been recognized for its relevance to contemporary Nigerian society, and he continues to engage in research that addresses pressing issues of crime, security, and governance.
Educational Journey
Bingham University
Phd Sociology (Criminology)
Experience
Research
Kidnapping : A Lucrative Crime in 21st Century Nigeria
The rising incidence and prevalence of kidnapping in Nigeria have continually generated concern in both academic and non-academic circles. The phenomenon of kidnapping constitutes a serious threat to life and serves as a major drawback to the nation’s drive for sustainable economic growth, anchored on direct foreign investment. The paper relies on both primary and secondary sources, and notes that kidnapping is caused by grinding poverty, spiraling unemployment, the criminal quest for material acquisition, and a weak security system. The paper recommends the initiation of pro-poor poverty eradication programs, creation of employment opportunities, strengthening of the security architecture, enactment of appropriate laws and the adoption of capital punishment to stem the tide of kidnapping which has become a lucrative crime in 21st century Nigeria.
Superiority Struggles and Inter Agency Feud in Nigeria
Violent conflict is gradually becoming one of the defining characteristics of Nigeria, the nation considered by many as the most populous nation of the continent of Africa. No part of Nigeria is free from violence of one form or the other. The problem of violence in Nigeria has become more worrisome as the security operatives whose duty it is to maintain peace, detect and suppress crimes have themselves become engulfed in violent conflicts, thereby giving criminals opportunity to unleash terror on the citizenry with impunity. Although, other unethical practices are held accountable for the clashes, superiority struggles arising from their historical past has of late become prominent. The implication of this professional missnormal is grievous. The repeated violent clashes among these security professionals have consistently alienated them from the public. It has further caused loss of confidence and respect of the citizenry. The ultimate side effect is lack of civil co-operation that these forces need to succeed in crime control. This explains why the nation has not been able to effectively manage insurgency and other security challenges in recent times. If Nigeria’s peace is pivotal to African and global peace as stressed by some scholars, then there is urgent need for the problem of superiority struggles to be addressed.
