Motivational Analysis Behind Cyber Criminal Behaviour in Nigeria

Abstract

The invention of the cyberspace showcased in the use of internet, a necessary tool that has come to stay, defining how people interact and communicate on daily basis, defiling the phenomenon of time and space, thereby making the world a global community. The internet can be said to be a two edged sword that is advantageous and can be destructive depending on the application and user motivations. It’s on this note that the work analyzes the motivations behind cybercriminal behaviour in Nigeria, Identifying ‘anonymity in cyberspace, thrill-seeking, financial gain, revenge seeking, addiction, law enforcement and weak cyber security’ as the key motivations behinds cybercriminal behaviours. ‘Routine Activity Theory’ was used to analyze the work, anchoring it on the premise of ‘motivated offender’. The study concluded with recommendations that government and stakeholders in the cyberspace industries, need to prioritize investment in ‘law enforcement and weak cyber security’ overhauling the security architecture in charge of prosecutions and investigation of cybercrime activities/offenses, which guarantee protection of confidential data and reduce the risk of cybercrimes.