AN EXAMINATION OF CYBERCRIME AS A RESULTANT EFFECT OF POVERTY IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The advent of computers and the internet has indeed revolutionized global connectivity, offering people of all ages and backgrounds unprecedented access to information and communication. Initially, computers were bulky and primarily used by government, research institutions, and financial organizations. While access to committing computer crimes was limited to those with specialized knowledge and access to these early systems. However, with the rapid advancement of technology, computers have become ubiquitous, and internet connectivity has become faster and more accessible through devices like smartphones, iPods, and apple iphones. Due to its ubiquitous availability, technology is now accessible to both potential criminals and law-abiding users, democratising access to it.

Globally, social relationships and business processes have undergone significant transformation due to the convergence of computing and communication technology. Even though these developments have largely positive effects, such improved efficiency, information sharing, and communication, they have a negative aspect as well. These technological developments have been used by criminals to commit a variety of cybercrimes. According to Clough (2010), every technological advance presents new opportunities for criminal exploitation. The maxim that "crime follows opportunity" holds true in the digital age, where each new development in technology creates new vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. This dynamic emphasises how difficult it is to strike a balance between the advantages of technology advancement and the requirement for strong cybersecurity measures to shield people, organisations, and societies from online threats. 

The surge in cybercrime worldwide, with a focus on West Africa, has attracted substantial attention. While it has contributed to cybercrime in nations like Ghana and Nigeria, high-speed internet connectivity is not the only enabler. Instead, the liberal character of the digital society which grants users anonymity, flexibility, and convenience—contributes greatly (Rege, 2009). Because of these conditions and the difficulties in enforcing laws across borders, cyberspace has become a desirable place for criminal activity, especially given the lower risks associated with it than with traditional financial crimes (McCombie et al., 2009). On the other hand, Paternoster et al. (2017) applying rational choice theory, analyze how criminals weigh the costs and benefits before committing cybercrimes. Cybercrime proliferates because it offers more advantages and fewer disadvantages to perpetrators compared to conventional crimes. While financial cybercrimes are prominent, affecting individuals, organizations, and national interests, other forms like cybersex, cyberbullying, and spreading misleading news via social media also pose significant challenges (Duah, Kwabena, 2015; Lewis, 2018). 

As the country becomes more digitally connected, the rise of cybercrime continues to gain prominence, with an estimated annual loss of billions of dollars attributed to these criminal activities. Several factors contribute to the widespread of these crimes in Nigeria, such as unemployment, poverty, and other socio-economic factors (Idowu, 2021). Hence, the prevalence of these criminal activities among Nigerian youths. Beyond that, Nigeria currently ranks first among the top 10 countries notable 3 for Internet fraud and seventh among the top 10 Internet users worldwide (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2022). The impact cybercrime has on Nigeria’s national security is multifaceted, including economic destruction, loss of sensitive data, damage to the reputation of businesses, and undermining of the nation’s critical infrastructure vital instrumentalities (Sule et al., 2021). In addition to these impacts is the lousy image cybercrime has created for Nigerians living in the diaspora. Moreover, the increasing number of cyber-related crime reports from Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is becoming alarming. Additionally, the 2010 Internet Crime Complaint Center Report ranked Nigeria third among nations with the highest prevalence of cybercrime (IC3 Report, 2010). Therefore, Nigeria is recognized globally as one of the major hubs of cybercrime.

Additionally, the prominence of Nigeria in cybercrime statistics underscores significant challenges and concerns regarding cybersecurity in the country and the broader African region. The factors contributing to Nigeria's position as a hub for cybercrime include the rapid adoption of digital technologies, increasing internet connectivity, economic disparities, and gaps in cybersecurity infrastructure and enforcement. These conditions create an environment where cybercriminals can operate with relative impunity, exploiting vulnerabilities for financial gain and undermining trust in digital systems.

Addressing the issue of cybercrime requires coordinated efforts at multiple levels, including enhancing cybersecurity capabilities, improving law enforcement and judicial responses, raising public awareness about online risks, and fostering international cooperation to combat transnational cyber threats effectively. These efforts are crucial to safeguarding individuals, businesses, and national economies from the detrimental impacts of cybercrime. As a result, it is imperative to prioritise cybersecurity measures to safeguard cyberspace. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to examine cybercrime as a resultant effect of poverty in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Currently, over 80 percent of businesses with an online presence in Nigeria are susceptible to cyber-attacks, which increasingly threaten the Nigerian economy. Key institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Stock Exchange, banks, pension fund administrators, and switching/electronic payment companies have been found vulnerable due to inadequate security measures on their web portals and web-based applications (Edeoghon & Mobote,2020). This has positioned Nigeria among the countries most afflicted by cybercrime issues globally. Additionally, the internet's contribution to national development has been overshadowed by the rise of new forms of crime. The internet has become a breeding ground for some of the most lucrative and safest crimes. Cybercrime is a global threat affecting regions from Europe and America to Africa and Asia. In Nigeria, it has emerged as an unexpected and pervasive issue. With each passing day, the country witnesses increasingly alarming cases of cybercrime, each more shocking than the last.

Furthermore, the country's image has suffered due to the unsanctioned activities of some Nigerians who use the internet for criminal spamming activities. The widespread acceptance of this menace has led to a growing disinterest in education and an increase in touting among students of tertiary institutions. Similarly, many individuals in Nigeria engage in these anti-social behaviors, driven by the desire to live lavish lifestyles. This trend poses significant challenges to the nation's socio-economic development and its global reputation. According to a 2011 World Bank survey, Africa hosts four of the top ten countries in the world with a high prevalence of cybercrime: Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, and South Africa. Another study identified the top five hotspots for cybercrime, listing the Russian Federation, China, Brazil, Nigeria, and Vietnam (Time, 2014). Despite the laws and establishments aimed at curbing cybercrime in Nigeria, the country still faces cybersecurity challenges, including inadequate cybersecurity infrastructure, lack of awareness and education about cybersecurity, and the prevalence of cybercrime that still poses a significant challenge. It is on this premise that this work examines cybercrime as a resultant effect of poverty in Nigeria.

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine cybercrime as a resultant effect of poverty in Nigeria. Specifically, the study will;

Assess the prevalence of cybercrime in Nigeria.

Investigate the underlying causes of cybercrime among youths in Nigeria.

Examine the impact of cybercrime on the growth and sustainable development of Nigeria’s economy.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What is the prevalence of cybercrime in Nigeria?

What are the underlying causes of cybercrime among youths in Nigeria?

How does cybercrime impact the growth and sustainable development of Nigeria's economy?

1.5  Research Hypotheses

H0: Cybercrime is not significantly influenced by poverty in Nigeria.

Ha: Cybercrime is significantly influenced by poverty in Nigeria.

1.6  Significance of the Study

Insights from the research will guide law enforcement agencies in developing effective strategies to combat cybercrime and address its root causes related to poverty.Furthermore, the research will highlight the need for capacity building programs that will equip professionals with skills to address cyber threats emerging from poverty-related vulnerabilities.Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to cybercrime as a resultant effect of poverty in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on  cybercrime as a resultant effect of poverty in Nigeria. Empirically, this study will assess the prevalence of cybercrime, investigate the underlying causes of cybercrime among youths and examine the impact of cybercrime on the growth and sustainable development of Nigeria’s economy.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to youths of Ikorodu, Lagos state

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents.

In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Cybercrime:Criminal activities conducted through the use of computers, the internet, or digital technologies.

Poverty: A state of deprivation characterized by inadequate income, lack of access to basic needs and services (such as education and healthcare), and limited economic opportunities.