Disability-Mediated Offending vs Neurodivergent Offending: Towards Conceptual Clarity in Inclusive Criminal Justice

Abstract

Irregular migration through Libya has increasingly exposed Nigerians to violent crime victimization, yet limited empirical evidence documents the lived experiences of returnees. This study investigated the forms, drivers, and consequences of violent victimization among irregular Nigerian migrants in Libya using Victim Precipitation and Routine Activity theories. An explanatory-sequential mixed-methods design was adopted, with quantitative data collected to determine the prevalence and patterns of victimization, followed by qualitative inquiry to explain the findings. The study involved 456 purposively selected returnees and 50 in-depth interviews with migrants and key stakeholders across nine high-return states in Nigeria. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, while qualitative data were analysed thematically with NVivo. Findings revealed widespread poly-victimization, including physical assault, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, forced labour, human trafficking, extortion, and denial of basic services. 86.8% of respondents experienced at least one form of violent victimization, while over 62% reported witnessing migrant deaths, particularly in detention facilities and makeshift prisons. The findings further showed that weak institutional protection, irregular migration status, and lawlessness in Libya reinforced repeated cycles of abuse. The study concludes that migrant victimization in Libya is systemic and recommends strengthened bilateral protection mechanisms, rights-based migration governance, trauma-informed reintegration services, and sustainable livelihood support for returnees.