MARITICIDE IN NIGERIA

INTERROGATING THE PLACE OF SOME THEORIES OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

Abstract

Mariticide has become a very worrisome criminal behaviour in Nigeria following many reported cases, especially in first half of 2020. While it has been speculated that the stress on family life due to economic and social impact of COVID-19 pandemic is a major factor in the general escalation of domestic violence, this paper explored alternative explanation by interrogating theories. The frustration-aggression hypothesis being the adopted framework was used to explain how women being violated in marriage could launch back severe attacks on their husbands, as well as how unfavourable economic, social, and other unmet expectations in a marriage could lead to a spouse(wife) aggressive behaviour and resultant mariticide.