Professor Aniekan Brown, a criminologist at the University of Uyo, advocates for a paradigm shift in crime-fighting strategies within Nigeria. He argues against the prevailing Eurocentric approach, positing that it’s an anomaly to apply Western methods to an African context. Instead, he proposes an Afrocentric model rooted in traditional African values, summarized by the acronym C.A.K.E.: Care, Affection, Kindness, and Empathy. This approach, derived from interactions with ex-convicts, emphasizes understanding the root causes of crime, often stemming from a lack of societal care and support. Brown suggests that by fostering a more compassionate and empathetic society, the underlying motivations for criminal behavior can be addressed, leading to a more effective reduction in crime rates.
Brown’s argument hinges on the belief that many individuals are driven to crime due to societal neglect. Ex-convicts, he notes, often cite a lack of care, affection, kindness, and empathy as contributing factors to their criminal activities. Had they received these basic human necessities, their trajectories might have been different. This perspective challenges the traditional punitive approach to crime, which focuses primarily on punishment rather than rehabilitation and addressing the underlying social issues that contribute to criminal behavior. He posits that by cultivating these values within society, we can create an environment less conducive to crime.
The C.A.K.E. approach extends beyond individual interactions to encompass societal structures and institutions. Brown argues that corruption, a pervasive issue in Nigeria, can also be addressed through this lens. He suggests that if those in positions of power demonstrated genuine care, affection, kindness, and empathy towards the citizens they serve, corruption would be significantly reduced. This argument underscores the importance of ethical leadership and the potential for positive social change through empathetic governance. It highlights the interconnectedness of individual behavior and societal structures in perpetuating or mitigating crime.
Furthermore, Brown emphasizes the importance of national unity and respect for national symbols. He believes that fostering a strong sense of nationalism, as opposed to sectionalism, can contribute to a more cohesive society and a reduction in crime. By respecting and revering national symbols like the flag, anthem, and coat of arms, citizens can cultivate a shared sense of identity and purpose, fostering a collective responsibility for the well-being of the nation. This shared identity, he argues, can act as a deterrent against criminal behavior.
Brown’s call for an Afrocentric approach to crime fighting involves a multifaceted strategy. He advocates for a community-based approach to security, reducing reliance on militarized solutions. This approach emphasizes the importance of community involvement in crime prevention and resolution, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for safety and security. He also stresses the need for the institutionalization of criminology and security studies, promoting research and education in these fields to develop more effective, culturally relevant solutions. This emphasis on education and research aims to equip individuals and institutions with the knowledge and tools necessary to address the complex issue of crime within an African context.
Finally, Brown calls for a holistic societal approach to crime prevention. He argues that all social institutions – family, education, economy, religion, and polity – have a role to play in combating crime. These institutions, and the individuals within them, should be oriented towards promoting values that discourage criminal behavior and foster a culture of respect, empathy, and responsibility. This holistic approach acknowledges the complex interplay of social factors that contribute to crime and emphasizes the need for a coordinated effort across all sectors of society to address this issue effectively. He concludes that since crime is a social construct, its solutions must lie within the social sphere, reinforcing the importance of understanding the sociological context of crime and tailoring solutions accordingly.
