Cybercrime in Nigeria: Social Influence Affecting the Prevention and Control
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Published by Department of Economics, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
Abstract
Abstract
Over the past decade, the internet has grown dramatically with increasing
everyday users. As internet users increase, so is the percentage of
cybercriminals who seem to be shifting traditional crime to the internet. The
predicted financial losses of N250 billion ($649 million) in 2017 and N288
billion ($800 million) in 2018 have made cybercrime in Nigeria one of the
most difficult crimes to solve. Young people, especially those in higher
education, are involved in cybercrime in Nigeria, but this crime is committed
by both young and old adults. The involvement of young people is typically
influenced by high levels of poverty, unemployment, insufficient laws against
this crime, and diminished social influence. A nation with a high crime rate
cannot prosper or develop. The study examines the effects of social
influencers. The study utilized the structural-functional theory and the
theory of technology-enabled crime to provide a grasp of the nature of the
problem. Due to the nature of the investigation, secondary data and
qualitative methods were used and it was found that youth involvement in
cybercrime is significantly influenced by unemployment, peer pressure, and
socialization factors. The study suggests that Nigeria should provide basic
facilities (e.g., Electricity, Security, Good Governance and so forth),
enhance its cybercrime laws and policies, and instruct its social agents (War
against Indiscipline and Corruption, National Orientation Agency).
Keywords: Control, Cybercrime, Prevention, Social Influence