Effects Of Cyber Criminality On Socio-Economic Development In Nigeria: Examining The Gains Of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015

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EFFECTS OF CYBER CRIMINALITY ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: EXAMINING THE GAINS OF CYBERCRIMES (PROHIBITION, PREVENTION, ETC) ACT 2015

 

ABSTRACT 

This research examines the effects of cyber criminality on the social and economic development of Nigeria, with a specific focus on the gains achieved through the implementation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015. The study investigates the consequences of cyber criminal activities on various aspects of Nigerian nation building, including the economy, socio-ethical development, national image, and corporate and individual development. The research explores the efforts made by different stakeholders, such as the government, corporate bodies, non-governmental organizations, professional associations, and other groups, in combating cyber criminality in Nigeria. It analyzes the effectiveness of these efforts in addressing the negative impacts of cyber criminal activities on the socio-economic lives of Nigerians. A significant portion of the study focuses on the review of the key provisions of the Cybercrimes Act 2015. The objective is to assess whether the Act serves as a solution or a turning point in combating cyber criminality and its detrimental effects on Nigeria's socio-economic well-being. While acknowledging some positive aspects of the Act, the paper recommends certain amendments to align with the desired national socio-economic framework and promote growth. By investigating the consequences of cyber criminality and evaluating the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, this research aims to contribute to a better understanding of the link between cybercrime and the socio-economic development of Nigeria. The findings of this study will be useful for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, businesses, and individuals in formulating strategies to combat cyber criminal activities effectively and promote sustainable socio-economic growth in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                            CHAPTER ONE GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In recent years, the rapid advancement of technology and the widespread use of the internet have brought numerous benefits to societies worldwide. However, alongside these advancements, the world has witnessed a surge in cybercriminal activities. Cybercrimes, including hacking, phishing, identity theft, and online scams, have become a significant concern for individuals, businesses, and governments globally. Nigeria, like many other countries, faces the serious challenge of cybercriminal activities and their potential negative effects on social and economic development.

Undeterred by the prospect of arrest or prosecution, cyber criminals around the world lurk on the internet as an aim present menace to the financial health of business, to the trust of their customers, and as an emerging threat to nation’s security. The Internet is one of the truly revolutionary phenomena of our times. It has changed the way we live and work and we have come to rely on it in every sphere of our endeavours.[1] Cyber criminals have become increasingly inventive and gravitate to jurisdictions which offer them most protection because of outdated and or non- harmonized legal regimes and law enforcement agencies which do not have the skills and resources to monitor Internet traffic, to investigate complaints, to prosecute or invoke any intervention that may be warranted. The global and borderless nature of the Internet enables criminals to cooperate and co-ordinate their activities and distribute their assets over several jurisdictions with impunity. With the ever-evolving computer technology, computer-related crime and cybercrime have become a significant global challenge. The ability to automate attacks against computer systems can lead, for example, to hundreds of thousands of registered attempts to interfere with, or illegally access computer systems each day[2]

The Internet is based on single technical standards that allow global communication. This has the advantage of allowing the globalization of Internet services (such as Facebook, Google, Yahoo and others) that are operated in one country but can be accessed by users from all over the world. From a crime prevention perspective, however, it has the disadvantage that acts of cybercrime do not require that the offender be located in the same country as the victim. This explains why the vast majority of cybercrime offences have a transnational dimension. Successful prevention and combating of cybercrime therefore requires effective international cooperation through an adequate treaty and well trained government and law enforcement personnel[3] . Furthermore, cyber intrusions are not localized. They are a global menace that poses threat to any computer system in the world at a growing rate. There were times when only educated specialist could commit cyber crimes, but today with the expansion of the Internet, almost anyone has access to the knowledge and tools for committing these crimes. Conventional fixed algorithms (hard-wired logic on decision making level) have become ineffective against combating dynamically evolving cyber attacks. It has also resulted in the emergence of what appears to be some new varieties of criminal activities pose challenges for legal systems, as well as for law enforcement[4] .

Surely, one most recent strategy in the fight against cybercrimes in Nigeria is the passing into law of Cybercrime (Prevention, Prohibition, Etc.) Act 2015. The Act seeks to provide an effective, unified and comprehensive legal, regulatory and institutional framework for the prohibition, prevention, detection, prosecution and punishment of cybercrimes in Nigeria. This Act also aims to ensure the protection of critical national information infrastructure, and promote cybersecurity and the protection of computer systems and networks, electronic communications, data and computer programs, intellectual property and privacy rights.[5] The Act which is a very important piece of legislation to foster the development of the ICT sector in Nigeria contains 59 sections.

This study considers the nature and the origin of cybercrime in Nigeria, various aspects of its negative impact on Nigeria and its citizens, and some measures taken to combat/curtail the effects. The paper sees the enactment of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015 as a milestone, and thus examines its prospects and challenges in the fight against cyber criminality in Nigeria.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 

In an attempt to fight the menace of cybercrime in Nigeria, Physical devices such as sensors and detectors are not sufficient for monitoring and protection of these infrastructures; hence, there is a need for more sophisticated IT that can model normal behaviors and detect abnormal ones. These cyber defense systems need to be flexible, adaptable and robust, and able to detect a wide variety of threats and make intelligent real-time decisions[6] . There is need for Cyber law and Cyber security. Cyber laws prevent or reduce large scale damage from cybercriminal activities by protecting information access, privacy, communications, intellectual property and freedom of speech related to the use of the internet, websites, emails computers, cell phones, software and hardware, such as data storage devices[7] . The increase in internet traffic has led to a higher proportion of legal issues worldwide. Because cyber laws vary by jurisdiction and country, enforcement is challenging and restitution ranges from fines to imprisonment.

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

To guide this study, the following research questions will be addressed:

  1. What are the various forms of cybercrimes prevalent in Nigeria?
  2. What are the social and economic implications of cybercrimes on Nigeria's development?
  3. How effective has the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 been in combating cybercriminal activities in Nigeria?
  4. What are the gains achieved through the implementation of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 in Nigeria?

1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STDY

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

  1. To identify and analyze the different forms of cybercrimes that exist in Nigeria.
  2. To examine the social and economic implications of cybercrimes on Nigeria's development.
  3. To assess the effectiveness of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 in combating cybercrimes in Nigeria.
  4. To evaluate the gains achieved through the implementation of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 in Nigeria.

1.5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This research utilizes the use of doctrinal method on the basis of existing literature and articles on the field of research. This research examined the Nigerian Laws, statutes as well as cases and judicial precedent on the subject matter

1.6 SIGNFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive analysis of the effects of cybercriminal activities on Nigeria's social and economic development. The findings of this study will be beneficial to policymakers, law enforcement agencies, businesses, and individuals in understanding the challenges posed by cybercrimes and formulating effective strategies to combat them. Furthermore, the research will shed light on the gains achieved through the implementation of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, thereby identifying areas that require further attention and improvement.

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on the effects of cybercriminal activities on Nigeria's social and economic development. It specifically examines the gains achieved through the implementation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015. The research will draw upon relevant literature, reports, and statistical data to analyze the prevalence and impact of cybercrimes in Nigeria. However, it is important to note that the study may face limitations related to the availability of data and the willingness of individuals to disclose incidents of cybercrimes.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research paper is structured into five chapters. Chapter One provides an introduction to the study, including the background, problem statement, research questions, objectives, significance, scope, and limitations. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive review of the relevant literature on cybercrimes, their forms, and the social and economic implications. Chapter Three describes the methodology employed in the research, including data collection methods, sample selection, and research design. Chapter Four presents the findings and analysis of the study, while Chapter Five provides the conclusion, recommendations, and suggestions for further research.

[1] Ibikunle F., (2013) Approach to Cyber Security Issues in Nigeria: Challenges and Solution, Publication of Department of Electrical & Information Engineering, Covenant University Nigeria, Vol,1 No1  p1.

[2] Chen H., &  Wang  F.Y., (2005) ‘Guest Editors' Introduction: Artificial Intelligence for Homeland Security’,IEEE intelligent systems, Vol. 20, No. 5, pp. 12–16.

[3] Selma Dilek, e,tal (2015)   applications of artificial intelligence techniques to combating cyber crimes: a review,

International Journal of Artificial Intelligence & Applications (IJAIA), Vol. 6, No. 1, January P.2

[4] Laura A.(2015)  Cybercrime and National Security; the role of the penal and procedural Law, Research Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advance Legal Studies  p.7.

[5] Section 1 of the Act

[6] Dasgupta D., (2006) ‘Computational Intelligence in Cyber Security’, IEEE International Conference on Computational Intelligence for Homeland Security and Personal Safety (CIHSPS 2006), pp. 2–3

[7] Ladan M.T, (2015) Cyberlaw and Policy on Information and Communications Technology in Nigeria Ahmadu Bello University Press  Limited p 104.

EFFECTS OF CYBER CRIMINALITY ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: EXAMINING THE GAINS OF CYBERCRIMES (PROHIBITION, PREVENTION, ETC) ACT 2015. GET MORE  CRIMINOLOGY AND SECURITY STUDIES PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS

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