DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY ON THE CYBERSPACE: THE CONTESTATION BETWEEN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND CYBERCRIMINALS

Abstract

The paper examines the contestation between criminal justice system and cybercriminals. Qualitative methodology was adopted for collecting data. The study sample was drawn from Nigeria Police Crime prevention and Investigative Unit, Cyber forensics experts, officials from the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Cyber security experts, acadamics in Criminology and Security Studies, judges and prosecutors. Theses were interviewed to obtain information on the running battle between the authourites and the criminal elements. Findings revealed that cyber crime increased exponentially despite the promulgation of cybercrime prevention and prohibition Act of 2015. It was reported that Nigeria youth used the lack of empowernment as their excuse to engage in cybercrime. Findings also revealed varied corps of victims, people and local businesses in Nigeria. The paper recommends the need to campaign for moral regeneration, educating internet users on how to stay protected online, appeals for atitutude change among the youths, and those involved in cybercrime, specialised trainng for criminal justice officials to enable them tackle cyber related crimes.above all, the criminal justice system must be swift in apprehension, prosecution and setencing offenders.