Cybercrime in Nigeria: Social Influence Affecting the Prevention and Control

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).