Investigative Analysis of Cybercrime in Nigeria: Using Theft Triangle

Abstract

Cybercrime or computer related crime is a criminal activity carried out with the aid of computer and the internet. The internet has contributed to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy and the world at large. However, the correlation between the growth of the internet and cybercrime in Nigeria is directly proportional to each other. Cyber insecurity is one of the biggest vices threatening the growth and advancement of the Nigerian economy. This paper provides investigative analysis of cybercrime in Nigeria using “theft triangle”. Theft triangle comprises of the three key elements that must be present before theft can take place which are “desire, motive and opportunity”. Nevertheless, since the desire and motive of a criminal cannot easily be controlled, the paper focuses more on “opportunity” as a measure to enhance the security of cyberspace in Nigeria. An experimental set-up was done to determine the security of cyberspace when “opportunity” was not controlled and when it was controlled over a period of time. The investigation revealed that cyberspace is subject to theft when “opportunity” was not controlled than when it was controlled. Hence, the study suggests appropriate modalities to enhance the security of cyberspace in Nigeria.