Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: Bridging the gap in Legislation, Investigation and Prosecution of Cybercrime in Nigeria

Abstract

The advancement of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) opens new avenues and ways for cybercriminals to commit crime. The primary goal of this paper is to raise awareness regarding gaps that exist with regards to Nigeria’s capabilities to adequately legislate, investigate and prosecute cases of cybercrimes. The major source of cybercrime legislation in Nigeria is an act of the National Assembly which is majorly a symbolic legislation rather than a full and active legislation. In perusing these avenues of inquiry, the authors seek to identify systemic impediments which hinder law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and investigators from properly carrying out their duties as expected.

Combatting the Threat of Cybercrime in Nigeria: Examining Current Laws and Policies

“…Adesina (2017), explained that there is a dire need to ensure the effectiveness of the 2015 skills and technology to facilitate detection as well as proper regulation and surveillance of cybercafes are important. Mohammed et al (2019) also identified gaps among the criminal justice operatives and in knowledge of digital evidence applications, such as those used in the digital forensic field. Maitanmi et al (2013) suggested that firms should secure their network information, and governments should ensure that their laws apply to cybercrime.…”

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Modern Digital Forensics and Incident Response

“…Digital Forensics and Cybercrime Legislation (Mohammed et al, 2019) Identify several future research challenges to address the rising volume of cybercrime in Nigeria.…”

“…Moreover, given their cultural backgrounds, various communities may place varying degrees of importance on a variety of factors. Moreover, according to Mohammed et al (2019), forensic studies of digital data have not been sufficiently diversified, and the majority of cybercrime investigators have concentrated on cases involving popular Western culture. Nevertheless, dedicated machine learning of data from various regions and cultures could improve AI's ability to work with diverse groups and datasets.…”

Trend and Emerging Types of “419” SCAMS

“…Cybercrime represents a modern manifestation of traditional criminal acts, leveraging information and communication technology tools and devices (Conteh & Schmick, 2016;Ojilere & Oraegbunam, 2021). It encompasses a wide range of illegal activities facilitated by electronic devices, such as financial fraud, child trafficking, intellectual property theft, and privacy violations through identity theft (Mohammed et al, 2019). Perpetrators of cybercrime exploit computers and internet connectivity to engage in activities like illegal downloading, piracy, and spam campaigns (Hassan et al, 2012).…”