CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Historically, it appears that prostitution is something that is typically looked down upon as been

morally repugnant, in such a way that only women with low self-esteem and low socioeconomic

status participate. In the early days of Islam, when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was reading thus,

O Prophet! When believing women come to you giving you pledge that they will not
associate ought with Allah, and will not steal, and will not commit fornication, and will
not kill their children…and will not disobey you in what is good, accept their pledge and
ask forgivness for them from Allah…(Q 60:12).

to non-believing women as condition for accepting Islam, they were shocked to hear that a free

woman (non-slave) will even take part in the act of prostitution. However, this is not always the

case in the present dispensation. Prostitutes as well as the men who use them come from all

social classes and different works of life. In fact, some of them look richer and healthier than

those who earn from other sources. Many people have difficulty in understanding how

individuals end up in the prostitution industry.

It is an established assumption that the idea of supply and demand goes back to as nearly

as the beginning of man. This simple idea is the basis for modern commerce, where commodities

are sold daily on the open market. When the commodity in question is sex, the situation gets

more complicated thereby becoming both legal and illegal, depending on the location and the

people. Until recently, prostitution was largely considered a victimless crime, and in most of the

researches conducted, the focus is on the prostitutes and pimps, not the consumers of sex. A

recent change in ideals has made the purchasers of sex more culpable than in the past and left a

void in the research community (Monto 2000). This change was at least in part brought about by

emerging research linking human trafficking with prostitution. This is especially true in places
like Las Vegas which has a highly transient nature with literally millions of tourists a year

looking to purchase sex. Using a door-step instance, this exchange of money for sex is both legal

and illegal in Nigeria. Unlike in some part of the world, say, Nevada (North America) where

legal exception exists in only less populous communities that have not more than 400,000

persons as stated in the Pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes, chapter 201, Nigeria has no clear

document or law that permits such business.

Despite this, there is still a general atmosphere of prostitution tolerance, if not acceptance

that abounds throughout the states in Nigeria. The residents of some communities in Nigeria are

living in a unique situation that is compounded by the presence of hypersexual entertainment

industry with great consequences to the moral upbringing of their children and younger ones.

Some cities are nothing but "Sin Cities" that never sleep at night. In some of these places,

decency is considered passé and if something is considered too risqué in some of these places,

then there is no way it will be permitted anywhere else. Because of this, some of these places in

North Central Nigeria are to be considered for this research. The causes will be exhumed, and

how the hypersexuality and proximity to prostitution affects the attitudes of the residents and the

key players of the game is looked into in this work.

Prostitution is basically sex for money. It is not restricted to any culture, it is global and it

transcends all age barriers as in some cases, girls as young as eight years are involved.

Prostitution has evolved over the last two decades, (National Behaviour Survey 2004).

According to the National Behaviour Survey (2004), prostitution has indeed become complex in

different ways as there are male sex workers in Nigeria who have sex with men for commercial

reasons and there is an organization that support them which based in Ibadan, Oyo state.
 Prostitution has particularly taken a worrisome and indeed despicable turn on the

continent through trafficking in person and violation of people’s human right. These have

become major issues in West Africa (Human Right Action 199). In recent time, prostitution has

become a lucrative business in Nigeria especially among the youths (Ikpe 20). Research has it

that, 31% of sex workers are students particularly in Nigeria institutions (Onah 200). Onah (10),

is of the view that, there are different forms of prostitutes, those: that stay in the brothels, those

that stand on the road side, those that operate from home etc.

Outside the African Continent, prostitution has now become an occupation especially for

the girls in countries like Netherland, Brazil, Norway etc. It serves as one of the sources of

revenue for government, hence, taxes are paid to the government (Aday 90).

Building on the aforemade foundation, this study expands its scope to look at those that

could be future potential consumers of sex and the providers of such service. In addition, it will

examine whether a hyper sexual environment has a normalizing effect on the attitudes of the

resident, viz-a-viz the governing institutions within the scene.

The attitudes of undergraduate students from Universities, and that of those living in

schools and collages within the area are examine to ascertain if the hypersexuality of the sex

industries within have effects on their attitudes towards prostitution or not. It was hypothesized

that the close proximity to legal prostitution would result in a higher rates of usage among

student than those that attend as well as have higher rates of sexual frequency and drive,

however, field work was used to justify or deny that. In addition, it was predicted that because of

this proximity, students whose schools are located within these communities would endorse

more pro-prostitution attitudinal beliefs than those youths and teenagers who are residents to the
environment. Further concern will be on Muslim consumers and providers of sex in the name of

prostitution than it will be on the none Muslims looking at the topic and the school of thought of

the researcher.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The people involved in prostitution experience negative effect even though they still make mens

of livelihood from it. Sex work has been identified as the core group for transmission of

HIV/AIDS and STDs. Thus, the perpetrators face discrimination throughout the world. Due to

the diseases that befall these people on daily basis, prostitution has been considered a menace in

the society and also violates the moral and social norms of most religions and customs. These

negative effects include untimely death, frustration, unwanted pregnancy, stigmatization, marital

rejection etc. Moreso, the risk of death, beating, sexual assault etc. are considered to be problems

associated prostitution.

In country like Nigeria, prostitution is termed as deviance and unhealthy act in the

society. It is also a big embarrassment to the government and the families who their youths are

involved in such act. Such families will lack their respect from people in the society no matter

their position.

Therefore, this research work then, seeks to investigate the cause and effects of

prostitution, and by extension, reducing or ameliorating such immoral act in North Central

Nigeria, through Islamic solutions.

1.3 Research Question

The following research questions will guide this study:

1. What are the causes of prostitution in North Central Nigeria?

2. What are the implications or effects of prostitution to our on our general health, moral sense,

cultural norms and societal values as Muslims living in North Central Nigeria?

3. What are the general attitudes toward prostitution in the states that form the North Central part

of Nigeria?

4. What are the age difference of sex workers and how can we reduce the level at which it is

spreading in the areas of our study?

1.4 Aim Objectives of the Study

The central aim of this work is to find out the causes and effects of prostitution in North Central

Nigeria, using an Islamic tool of investigation and assessment. However, in doing that, the

following specific objectives are considered:

1. To ascertain the likely causes of prostitution in North Central.

2. To find out the implications of prostitution on our general health.

3. To find out the age difference of those that take part in prostitution.

4. To identify the general attitude towards individuals towards prostitution.

1.5 Significant of the Study

This research is significant to the treatment of the cancerous act of prostitution that is becoming

rampant in some states in the North Central part of Nigerai. Theoretically, this study will add to

the already, existing knowledge of the causes and effects of prostitution among the Muslim

parent, teachers, students, and the government of Nigeria. The solutions that are postulated out of

this exercise can be used to set up policies and programmme that will help in providing social

control on the act of prostitution in North Central. Moreso, the study will be a guide to future

researchers in their research in knowing the causes and effects of prostitution and look for means

of tackling those problems.

Practically, this research work will enable the prostitutes to know that there is a special

interest on them, especially from the academic milieu, and they will get to know the dangers

surrounding their work, so as to stop the rising wave of sex work in North Central. This is

actualized through structured interview by the researcher.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This research covers the causes and effects of prostitution with the trio states on the North

Central Nigeria; Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi States. We will limit our work to strategic places in the

state that covers the brothel, night clubs, and hotels that are close to higher institutions of

learning in the aforementioned states. The work will also examine the challenges that are

associated with sex work and how government can control the increasing number of prostitutes

in the states under review.

 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Conceptual Review

To effectively carry readers along, the need to breakdown the conceptual meaning of related

words and phrases as used in this work cannot be undermined. Thus, the following terms are

defined as used in this research work:

2.1.1 Prostitution: A Conceptual Review

The term prostitution was coined by sex worker activist (Leigh 10). Its use became popularized

after publication of the anthology; sex work writings by women in the sex industry in 1987

(Adiele 80). The work has since spread into much wider use, including academic publications by

Labour Unions and by government and inter-governmental agencies such as the World Health

Organization (WHO). Prostitution is a term that has occupied an anomalous position in societies

throughout history.

According to Weizer (12), prostitutes are generally regarded as a social category of

women who do not adhere to sexual and other behavioural norms; pitied or despised, they are

excluded from mainstream society, their lowly and marginal position is analogues to that of a

low caste or minority ethnic group. This outcast status denies them whatever international,

national or customary protection from abuse, which in turn is available to others as citizens,

women or workers (Adiele 20). This social exclusion renders the prostitute vulnerable to

exploitation.
 Laura (2007), in her writing explained that, the term prostitutes and prostitution were

coined by sex workers themselves to redefine commercial sex, not as the social or psychological

characteristic of a class of women, but as an income generating activity or form of employment

for women and men. As such, it can be considered along with other forms of economic activity.

However, in similar view, it is asserts that lack of international and local protection renders sex

workers vulnerable to exploitation in the work place, and they experience harassment or violence

at the hands of employers, law enforcement officials, clients and the public (Modo 25). It is on

this view that Modo (25) asserts that others advocate of women’s right assert that they have the

right to make their own decisions regarding their bodies by either being housewives or

prostitutes.

Ferlay (95) points out that, woman gain financially in some way from pornography and

that, powerful women have a rested interest in creating pornography. She comments on the

edition of feminism that only fight for issues that are of immediate concern to what she sees as

their privileged lives. The view that, prostitution is a choice for all prostitutes seems to be a

prevalent view, even among those that oppose prostitution on religious moral terms (Ferlay 95).

According to Lukatsz and Pavol (2), prostitution is a sexual activity provided by women, men,

and transsexuals in exchange for payment. In corroboration, it is believed to be called

(sometimes) the world’s oldest profession because, its beginning is dated back to ancient

Mesopotamian civilization and expanded to ancient Greece, Rome, Japan, and China (Sanger

25). In Dynes view, male prostitutes have been found in almost all modern and ancient cultures,

but have been studied far less by researchers (90). Male prostitution sale sex services to women

and men. Apart from money, they seek sexual gratification from the business. Female who
patronize such men often do not have time for relationship, or have certain sexual requirement

(Dynes 95).

Prostitution is the act of engaging in sexual activity, usually with individuals other than a

spouse or friend in exchange for immediate payment in money or other valuables (Garner 12).

Prostitutes may be of either sex and may engage in either heterosexual or homosexual activity,

but historically most prostitution has been by female with males as clients. Garner (29) further

defines prostitution as the act or practice of engaging in sexual activities for money or its

equivalent. It is a criminal act in the United States. Prostitution is also referred to as commercial

or public sex work. It is estimated that over 92,000 men, women and juveniles are arrested yearly

for prostitution (FBI 2000). The report further said the number of juveniles engaging in

prostitution is estimated at between 100,000 and 300,000 per year.

Sociologist agreed on three points in defining prostitution, namely: 1. It is sexual in

nature, and the reward for performing the sexual act is either money or other material goods

exchange at or near the time of the act. 2. The relationship between the provider and the recipient

of sexual services involved neither love nor affection. 3. Because there is an exchange of

services for material reward, prostitution is either full or part time vocation (Johnson 1857 –

7881). In furtherance, he asserts that prostitutes are not necessarily females or adult; male and

female prostitutes of various ages provide sexual services for both the opposite and the same sex

(7883).

2.1.2 Forms of Prostitution

Prostitution is divided into different categories. These are;

1. Call Girls
According to Weiter (27), call girls are known to take good care of their health and visit doctors

whenever necessary. Alsmost all of them want their client to use condoms, though they often

comply when clients offer a much higher amount of money for condom free sex, (Weiter 30).

2. Street Prostitution;

Those involved in this group are young girls, some of them in their teens. They do their soliciting

in limiting but well known areas of the city. These areas include popular places like well known

hotels in the major cities and around girl’s hostels in some high institutions. These sex workers

usually dress in skimpy provocative clothing, regardless of the weather (Akpan 20). Street

prostitutes are often called “street walkers” while their customers are referred to as “pickers”.

The sex is performed in the

customer’s car, in a nearby alley or in a rented room (Akpan 20).

3. Child Prostitution;

In the world today, the problem of child prostitution is a frightening reality. Child prostitutes

whether occupational or full-time also become involved in crime and abuse (Mili 19). However,

because of the high incidence of sexually transmitted disease such as syphilis, customers are

willing to pay for higher prices for children who are considered more likely to be virgins and

thus, less likely to be infected (Tolu 17). Ewah (10), observes that, child prostitution involves

children between the age of eight years and twelve years of age. He further said that at this age,

girls often receive their introduction to this activity through their parents and other family

members. Child prostitutes generally continued their involvement because, they earned a lot of

money. Also many seemed to fear rejection by their families if they stop, especially, those whose

parents were involved in pornography (Margret 20).

 4. Sex Tourism

This type is simply described as travelling for sexual intercourse with prostitutions or to engage

in their sexual activity (Mencken 29). A specialized agency of the United Nations defines sex

tourism as “trip organized from within the tourism sector or from outside, this sector but using its

structures and networks with the primary purpose of effecting a commercial sexual relationship

by the tourism with

residents at the destination” (The World Tourism Organization 2007).

2.2.3 Social Problem

Horton (65) defines social problem as a condition affecting a significant number of people in

ways considered undesirable about which it is felt that something can be done through collective

social action. A situation where people begin to say “this is horrible, why can’t something be

done about it”; then we have a social problem. Thus a condition becomes a social problem only

when a valued judgement is made that the condition is undesirable and curable. Fuller (38)

defined social problem as representing a social condition which is regarded by a considerable

number of people as undesirable and hence these persons believed that something ought to be

done about the situation. Manis (77) defined social problem as “those conditions identified by

scientific inquiry and values as detrimental to the well-being of human societies”. Examples

include poverty, prostitution, abortion, drug addiction, homosexuality, child abuse, wife battery,

armed robbery, unemployment etc.

2.1.4 AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: A Review

AIDS, according to USAID (11), stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a pattern of

devastating infections caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, which attacks and

destroys certain white blood cells that are essential to the body's immune system. When HIV
infects a cell, it combines with that cell's genetic material and may lie inactive for years. They

further states that most people infected with HIV are still healthy and can live for years with no

symptoms or only minor illnesses. WHO (2020), in corroboration, asserts that persons can be

infected with HIV, but they do not have AIDS. After a variable period of time, the virus becomes

activated and then leads progressively to the serious infections and other conditions that

characterize AIDS. Although there are treatments that can extend life, AIDS is a fatal disease.

Research continues on possible vaccines and, ultimately, a cure. For the moment, however,

prevention of transmission remains the only method of control (USAID 12).

2.1.5 HIV: Human Immune Virus.

Robert (2) says “HIV” refers to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that damages the

human immune system. HIV infection can be prevented by appropriate measures. “AIDS” refers

to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome which results from advanced stages of HIV

infection, and is characterized by opportunistic infections or HIV-related cancers, or both.

“Persons living with HIV” means persons infected with HIV. “Affected persons” means those

whose lives are changed by HIV or AIDS owing to the broader impact of the epidemic. “Stigma”

means the social mark that, when associated with a person, usually causes marginalization or

presents an obstacle to the full enjoyment of social life by the person infected or affected by

HIV. Stigma may or may not be acted upon, but stigmatizing attitudes toward people living with

HIV can result in their isolation or segregation in the workplace as well as in the broader society.

2.1.6 Brothel: A Review

This is a house where men pay to have sex with prostitutes or where sex workers live. Collins

Dictionary (134) defines it as a place where men pay to have sexual intercourse with prostitutes.

Peters (10) says the house is otherwise called whorehouse and is a place where people engage in
sexual activities. He further says that today,the places are mostly called bars, massage parlours,

clubs, or body rub parlour (12).

2.1.7 Sex: A Review

Is an erotic attraction between two people or sexual intercourse that can lead to orgasm in female

and the secretion of semen from the penis in male. Two types of definitions of “sex” and “sexual

activity” can be identified throughout studies with older adults. Fileborn et al. (27) introduced a

distinction between the “hierarchical” and “broad” understandings of sex. The first one is based

on a narrow definition of sexual activity as exclusively penetrative intercourse and is widely used

in quantitative studies. It is a common practice for research on sexual and other difficulties to

assess sexual activity operationalized as penile-vaginal intercourse (Kontula and Haavio-Mannila

29). But even more qualitatively oriented studies, such as Meston and Buss’s review on people’s

sexual motives (7), tend to interpret “having sex” as engaging in sexual intercourse. Results from

qualitative studies confirm that this penetration-oriented understanding of sex is indeed present

in some discourses of older women, men, and couples (Loe 24). Typically, for older adults who

share the hierarchical view of sex, it is penile-vaginal intercourse that constitutes true sex. Other

sexual behaviours, such as masturbation, elements of foreplay, or oral sex are usually considered

as “lesser” sex (in accordance with the hierarchy of activities) or do not count as sex at all,

merely as a substitute. This seems to be consistent with the heteronormative context of

traditional gender roles and the sexual scripts prevalent in current older adults’ youth, which

defined sex predominantly in terms of male-female penetration and men’s ejaculation (Yan et al.

11).

Findings from other qualitative studies provide a body of evidence that the concept of

sexuality changes with age and that for some older individuals the narrow definition ceases to
accurately reflect how they understand sexual activity. Therefore, broad definitions of sex

typically decentre the significance of genital sex and draw on the notion that sexual activity can

be anything the partners consider as such. In some studies, older adults spontaneously

differentiate intercourse from other forms of sexual activity and intimacy, usually stressing the

greater importance of cuddling, kissing, and physical closeness over penetrative intercourse

(Gott and Hinchliff 23). Studies on older men report that some of them redefine their ideas about

sex from intercourse-oriented to intimacy-oriented and emphasize the role of emotional

closeness and bonding (Fileborn et al. 63). It has been found that some women see

nonpenetrative sex as at least equally important as penetrative and perceive their current

sexuality as more complex than it was at a younger age (due to the inclusion of intimacy and

various sexual activities leading to female pleasure) (Hinchliff and Gott 68).

2.1.8 STDs and STIs: A Review

Is a sexually transmitted diseases. It is transmitted during sexual intercourse. According to World

Health Organisation (WHO), these are otherwise called STIs and are caused by more than 30

different bacteria, viruses and parasites and are spread predominantly by sexual contact,

including vaginal, anal and oral sex (3). Some STIs may be spread via skin-to-skin sexual

contact. The organisms causing STIs can also be spread through non-sexual means such as blood

products and tissue transfer. Many STIs – including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, HIV,

HPV, HSV2 and syphilis – can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and

childbirth (WHO 3). A person can have an STI without having obvious symptoms of disease.

“Therefore, the term “sexually transmitted infection” is a broader term than “sexually transmitted

disease” (STD)”, they said further. Common symptoms of STDs include vaginal discharge,
urethral discharge in men, genital ulcers, and abdominal pain. Eight of the more than 30

pathogens known to be transmitted through sexual contact have been linked to the greatest

incidence of illness. Of these 8 infections, 4 are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea,

chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The other four are viral infections and are incurable, but can be

mitigated or modulated through treatment: hepatitis B, herpes, HIV, and HPV (WHO 3-4).

2.2 Review of Related Literature

Eva in her work entitled, “Prostitution of Children and Child-Sex Tourism: An Analysis of

Domestic and International Responses” said that the responsibility to eliminate the sexual

exploitation of children through prostitution rests with governments, parents, social and legal

organizations, law enforcement, the criminal-justice system, and society as a whole (89). She

believes that it is only with combined efforts that the goal of dignified, valued, and respected

lives for all children, at home and abroad, can be achieved. This work is so akin to my topic due

to its relativity to prostitution, even though this only centres on girl-child.

In a work entitled, “Addressing Prostitution Concerns in Nigeria: Issue, Problems and

Prospects” written by E. E. Alobo and Rita, published in European Scientific Journal (1857 –

7881), they said they believe that only by going to the root cause of prostitution and trafficking,

which are the factors that make up the demand, will the society end the sexual exploitation and

abuse of women and children through prostitution and trafficking. They said, “we need to urge

all governments, NGOs, and religious communities to focus on reducing the demand for victims

of sex trafficking and prostitution. All the components of the demand need to be penalized-the

men who purchase sex acts, the exploiters, the traffickers and pimps who profit from the sale of

women and children for sex, and the culture that lies about the nature of prostitution” (65). They
brought to known that the number of victims will be reducing if the demand for them is

penalized. Thus, if there is no man seeking to buy sex acts, no woman child will be bought and

sold. If there is no brothel waiting for victims, no victim will be recruited. If there is no state that

profit from the sex trade, there will be regulations that will facilitate the flow of women from

poor towns to wealthier sex industry centres. If there were no false messages about prostitution,

no woman or girl would be deceived into thinking prostitution is a glamorous or legitimate job

(Alobo and Rita 78). In close reference to this work, our topic will be benefiting from the

foundation laid by these two scholars because they spoke of prostitution and with an expanded

view that tries not to only duel on the service provider, but the patronisers of the service.

Closely related to this is “A Review of the Sex Work Literature” by the UCL Institute of

Health Equity which revealed that there are multiple social exclusions which on what mostly

lead women into prostitution: drive entrance into sex work, result in negative consequences, such

as poor physical and mental health, homelessness and stigmatisation, as a result of sex work, act

as a barrier for those wanting to stabilise their lives and cease selling sex (150). In many cases,

they said, “there is an overlap between sex work, homelessness and other forms of social

exclusion, such as impoverishment, violence, family breakdown and untreated mental health

problems” (151). That is to say, the interaction of different forms of social exclusion is best

described as a syndemic whereby people often suffer from multiple processes of exclusion which

exacerbate negative health impacts. The literature also indicates that different types of sex work

result in different levels of further exclusion. Those trafficked into sex work are the most

excluded, forced to live in fear with almost no control over their lives. Unstable housing, drug

addiction and violence are issues which affect sex workers of all types (152).
They also pointed out that the literature described a wide variety of factors (often forms of

exclusion) which drive people into sex work: violence, power, family breakdown, debt and low

level welfare, addiction, housing, mental health, low education, discrimination (155).

Finally, they came to point out that many of the factors listed above which drive sex work

engagement trap people in vulnerable situations and have been identified by the literature as

barriers which prevent sex workers from stabilising their lives and ceasing to sell sex. Now, with

this submission, our work will be adding value to this by expatiating from the Islamic point of

view, and identifying problems that are Islamic in nature.

Since according to them, lack of support in areas such as housing, finance (benefits

system), mental health and drug addiction, and the abrupt withdrawal of formal care systems can

lead those in positions of vulnerability down various pathways of chronic exclusion, such as sex

work, as well as homelessness, then we shall see from the case of young ladies in North Central

Nigeria, some of the reasons why they are into prostitution and also try to see if the reason

uphold by them are justifiable Islamically for one to become a prostitute. Thus, as they projected

that for many, entrance into sex work is a means to survival; funding severe addictions, a place

to sleep for the night or to top-up benefit payments, we shall be seeing the justification or

otherwise of their assertion from this exercise.

Additionally, the lack of adequate support systems fails to address the needs of current

sex workers attempting stabilise their lives and cease selling sex. In particular, the literature

states that sex workers would benefit most from a holistic approach to addressing their needs.

However, indications suggest that the majority of ordinary support services are disjointed and
tend to address needs in isolation from one another. This does not adequately meet the needs of

sex workers.

Furthermore, the driving factors of chronic exclusion can have a detrimental effect on

health. Although research into the impact of sex work on general health (not sexual health) is

lacking, the literature (including a few studies with health as a specific focus) suggests that the

processes of exclusion experienced by many sex workers negatively impacts on health. Higher

rates of chronic illness – particularly symptoms relating to intravenous drug use and preventable

respiratory diseases – and child mortality, combined with lower rates of GP registration and

attendance of secondary care services, such as antenatal care, are just some of the negative health

related issues identified in the sex work literature.

Finally, there are many gaps in the existing literature. The current figures being used to

estimate the sex work population are outdated and the literature on male and transgender sex

workers is very small. Research into issues, such as mental health and the complex interrelated

factors which lead and trap people in sex work, is also lacking. Additionally, there are only a

few studies which monitor and evaluate outreach and intervention programmes.

In a project submitted to the Department of Sociology, Caritas University on the topic

“CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF COMMERCIAL SEX WORK AMONG AKWA IBOM GIRLS

(A STUDY OF YOUTHS IN UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA)” by Adiele, Ogechi

Obiageri, sex work is a morally a wrong act. In the work, Ewah (20) says “sex work is an

expression of lust, spreading diseases that threaten the collective health of a society”. This is as a

result of its effect in the society. Hence, because of the high HIV infection rates and large
number of sexual partners, sex workers have been considered a core group for the transmission

of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Prostitution is reiterated as a universal phenomenon with morals, social, psychosocial and

medial implications. Many of those who engaged in sex work were attempting to earn money to

escape poverty. But this negativity is not enough reason for people to indulge in this act of sexual

immorality.

Finally, they came to the conclusion that “sex work is a menace in the society and thus,

should not be legalized. Sex work cannot be eliminated completely so far as the urge for sex by

both customers and sex workers are concerned” (46). They believe that the more restrictive a

society is, the greater the pressure for sex work to provide outlets for those who are not married.

Therefore, since sex work may not be eradicated completely in AkwaIbom State, particularly in

Uyo Local Government Area, he suggested in his work that the recommendations of the research

work should be used in promulgating policies that will help in reducing the problem of

prostitution to a tolerable level.

In the book entitled; Not Sex Work; by Ferlay (1995), he points out that, woman gain financially

in some way from pornography and that, powerful women have a rested interest in creating

pornography. She comments on the edition of feminism that only fight for issues that are of

immediate concern to what she sees as their privileged lives. The view that, prostitution is a

choice for all prostitutes seems to be a prevalent view, even among those that oppose prostitution

on religious moral terms.

The abortionist approach declares that, the institution of prostitution itself constitutes a violation

of human rights, asking to the institution of slavery, in fact, the abortionist was originally used to
describe campaigners against the transatlantic suhara trade (Onah 2000). As such, no person,

even an adult is believed to be able to give genuine consent to engaging in prostitution.

Prostitution only persists through the efforts of procurers or pimps, the third parties who

induce a woman into prostitution, openly or by means of deceit and coercion, to extort her

earning from her, (Modo, 2005).

The abortionist approach requires governments to abolish prostitution through the

penalization of this third party which profits from the transaction between prostitute and client.

The prostitute cannot be punished, as she is the victim of a process she does not control. Without

the third party, it is believed that, the institution of prostitution will wither away (Modo, 2005).

2.3 Theoretical Frame Work

Routine Activities Theory:

Routine activity theory, first formulated by Lawrence E. Cohen and Marcus Felson in 1979 and

later developed by Felson, is one of the most widely cited and influential theoretical constructs in

the field of criminology and in crime science more broadly. In contrast to theories of criminality,

which are centered on the figure of the criminal and the psychological, biological, or social

factors that motivated the criminal act, the focus of routine activity is the study of crime as an

event, highlighting its relation to space and time and emphasizing its ecological nature and the

implications thereof. In their initial formulation, Cohen and Felson postulated that changes in the

structure of the patterns of daily activity of people in cities following World War II could explain

the rise in crime that had occurred, according to leading studies at the time. Their hypothesis was

that post-modernity had facilitated the convergence in space and time of likely offenders with the

goal of committing crimes against suitable targets in the absence of capable guardians. From this
they derived two apparently simple ideas with significant implications: first, that the opportunity

for crime may depend on a configuration of distinct (though not disaggregated) elements of the

aggressor or criminal; second, a correlate of the first, that the absence of either of the first two

elements(aggressor and target) or the presence of the third (capable guardians) would be

sufficient in itself to prevent a potential criminal event. Routine activity theory is, in short, an

attempt to identify, at a macro-level, criminal activities and their patterns through explanation of

changes in crime rate trends (Cohen and Felson 159). It is based on criminal events, on the

distribution and grouping in space and time of the minimal elements that make them up, rather

than on the search for offenders’ motives, and it thus offers a frame of reference for concrete and

individualized crime analysis and facilitates the application of real policies and practices aimed

at altering the necessary elements that make the existence of a crime possible and thereby

preventing it (Tilley 209).

This theory is in line with our topic because it states that a crime’s likelihood is dictated

by three elements: motivated (likely) offenders, available suitable targets, and lack of capable

guardians (Cohen and Felson 179). Up until now, many studies have not looked at motivated

offenders simply because of the prevalence of crime. That is to say, why bother measuring

motivation when it is obvious motivation exists in the presence of crime being committed. If, as

reported above, there are enough men being arrested for soliciting prostitution that there needs to

be education programs for them, then it stands to reason that there are plenty of motivated

offenders purchasing sex. Because of this, studying the attitudes of both the consumers and the

service providers vital and considered as a step in understanding the motivation surrounding the

purchasing of sex from prostituted women. This theory will therefore equip the researcher with

the tool to conduct a fair investigation of the phenomenon at hand.

2.2.1 The Deviance Perspective Theory

This theory was propounded by Cesare Lombroso (1876). This theory propounds that, social

deviance takes many forms, including suicide, prostitution, alcoholism and crime. The

manifestation of this deviant behaviour constitute serious disruption and interruption on the

social and moral values of society.

Deviance are those activities which do not conform to the norms and expectations of

members of a particular society. Actions are deviant in relation to the standards of a particular

society at a particular time in history. Deviant behaviour is a social problem since it has a

disruption effect on social life. There must be something wrong with deviants. They must have

some kinds of pathology, some form of sickness which must be diagnosed physiologically and

psychologically. Hence deviants have some organic defects or pathology which they were born

with and which influenced or caused their behaviours and also they were psychologically

unbalanced due to some emotional disturbance in their past. This imbalance influenced or caused

their deviant behaviour.

Therefore, this theory is of the view that, social problem such as prostitution ensures

when people violate existing social norms which govern or regulate it is use in the society, such

act of non-conformism is evident when people involve in commercial sex work, perhaps by

using their body in making money. This view strongly maintained that, commercial sex worker is

a person who involves in sex work with another person in exchange of money or material things.
 CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

This study made use of survey research design. This method was used because, it is the one in

which a group of people or teem are studied by collecting and analyzing data from only a few

samples considered to be representing the entire group.

3.2 Study Area

The study area covers some states in North Central Nigeria, which are Benue, Nasarawa and

Kogi.

3.3 Population of the Study

The last census conducted in 2006, put the population of Benue at 4,253,641, that of Nasarawa

State at 1,869,377, and that of Kogi at 3,314,043 respectively. By this number, only selected

areas and communities are going to be assessed for this academic exercise.

3.4 Sample Size

The sample size of this study is two hundred and twenty (150) possible respondents. The

researcher considered this sample size large enough for the study, taking into consideration the

statistical analyses. The above sample size is considered appropriate for effective management

by the researcher due to time and financial constraints. And it shall be spread 50 into each of the

three states to be covered.

3.5 Sampling Method/Technique

The sampling method used in this research is simple random sampling. This is used in order to

have a scientific and true representation of the required sample of hotels to be used.

3.6 Instrument for Data Collection

The instruments for data collection are tape recorder, pen and paper. Structure interview is used

in collecting information from targeted interviewees at their locations. The questions for the

interview are made up of two sections, A and B. section A deals with the personal data of the

respondents while section B comprises the questions that this work is expected to answer as

raised in chapter one of this project.

3.7 Methods of Date Analysis

Frequency table and simple percentage (%) are used in the analysis of the data collected from the

field via questionnaire.

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