The development of global telecommunication infrastructure, such as computers, mobile phones, and the Internet, has led to significant changes in the world. The act of exchanging information or ideas. In Nigeria, individuals of all age groups can now conveniently connect to the global network from the comfort of their residences, workplaces, cyber cafes, and similar locations. In recent times, internet-capable phones and other devices such as iPods and Blackberry have significantly enhanced the ease and speed of internet connectivity. Nevertheless, a consequence of this unrestricted accessibility is the problem of cybercrime. Hence, cybercrime, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo” or “Yahoo Plus”, poses a significant threat to the nation. The increase in Nigeria’s cybercrime activity is to be expected, given the significant poverty and unemployment rates in the country. Remarkably, Nigerians are experiencing extreme poverty despite the abundant human and material resources present in the country. The emergence of computers and the internet has provided people of all ages in the global community with extensive opportunities to access the globe from various locations such as their homes, offices, and cyber cafes. Recently, internet-capable phones and other devices such as iPods and Blackberry have facilitated faster and more convenient online access. In the past, computers were bulky and unwieldy machines largely used by government, research, and financial institutions. The capacity to engage in computer offences was predominantly restricted to individuals possessing both access and expertise. Currently, technology is widely present and becoming more user-friendly, guaranteeing its accessibility to both wrongdoers and those who suffer from their actions (Clough, 2010).
The widespread adoption of digital technology, together with the integration of computing and communication devices, has fundamentally changed the manner in which we engage in social interactions and do business. Although predominantly positive, these innovations have also had negative consequences. Supporting the principle that crime is influenced by the presence of opportunities, nearly every progress has been accompanied by a comparable area that can be taken advantage of for illegal activities (Clough, 2010). Consequently, the unrestricted availability of global connectivity has resulted in a surge of cybercriminal activities. Every day, a multitude of crimes of different magnitudes are perpetrated on the Internet across the globe. Cybercrime has a significant and more crucial role in the field of international relations. This is seen in the establishment of prominent international organisations and the development of numerous treaties, bilateral agreements, and regional and international pacts between governments worldwide (Kshetri, 2013). Based on a 2011 report conducted by the World Bank, Africa is home to four out of the top ten countries worldwide with a significant presence of cybercrime. These countries are Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, and South Africa. In the 2010 Internet Crime Complaint Centre Report, Nigeria was placed third among nations with the highest incidence of cybercrime. Paradoxically, Nigeria, despite its substantial riches and immense potential, is regarded as one of the most impoverished nations globally. A significant number of unemployed graduates in the country engage in cybercrime, primarily driven by desperation to sustain themselves or alleviate their family from the clutches of poverty. The poverty situation in Nigeria is perplexing due to the country’s abundant natural, material, and human resources that have the potential to be effectively utilised and developed to create employment opportunities and significantly decrease, if not eradicate, poverty in the nation. The scope of cybercrimes, as recognised by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), encompasses a wide range of scenarios. These include offences against children, typically involving child pornography or child rape, as well as the theft of intellectual properties and/or publications. Other forms of cybercrimes include phishing, which involves fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, and the deliberate spread of malware for the purpose of perpetrating internet fraud on a national or international scale. In broad terms, cybercrime refers to criminal activities carried out on the internet, where the computer is utilised either as a means to conduct the crime or as the intended victim. According to McAfee Inc. (2014), cybercrime is an expanding industry. The rewards are quite favourable, while the dangers are minimal. Experts approximated that the probable yearly expense to the worldwide economy resulting from cybercrime exceeds $400 billion. The minimum estimate of losses would be $375 billion, while the greatest estimate might reach $575 billion.
Poverty is considered a significant contributing cause to the increase in different types of crimes in Nigeria, including cybercrime. When evaluating the connection between cybercrime and poverty, it is crucial to not only establish the definition of cybercrime, but also the definition of poverty. Poverty can be delineated using various definitions. While certain researchers attempt to quantify it, others contend that a more indeterminate interpretation should be employed. According to McConnell and Brue (2005), poverty is the state in which an individual or a family lacks the resources to meet fundamental requirements for sustenance, clothing, housing, and transportation.
The problem of poverty in Nigeria is a paradoxical one. Despite Nigeria’s status as a prominent oil-producing country and its abundance of natural resources, the majority of its population experiences significant economic poverty. According to government data, 35% of Nigerians live in conditions of extreme poverty, while 54% are considered relatively poor. Cybercrime is prevalent in Nigeria. Nigerian cybercriminals are well-known for enticing individuals worldwide into deceptive schemes through spam emails, money laundering communications, and deceptively crafted fictitious business collaboration proposals. In Nigeria, individuals engaged in the fraudulent schemes known as “yahoo yahoo,” namely the advance fee fraud (419), are commonly known as “yahoo boys.” Yahoo yahoo is the predominant term used locally to refer to cybercrime in Nigeria. Typically, this scam entails exploiting naive individuals by utilising email, specifically through a Yahoo address or Yahoo Messenger. The country has established itself as the origin of what is often known as “419” emails, which are called after Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code. The “yahoo boys” employ diverse strategies to target their victims. A significant number of these swindlers frequent cyber cafes, spending the entire night surfing the internet and dispatching fraudulent emails to unwary targets. Numerous international individuals, particularly women, who are searching for life partners online, have become targets of the “yahoo boys”. They feign readiness to enter into a long-term relationship with these ladies and thereafter begin to exploit them. Certain individuals manipulate their victims into aiding them in obtaining travel documents for their place of residence or even assisting them in acquiring residential permits. After successfully accomplishing their objectives, they cease all communication with the victim and proceed to target another individual (Adesina, 2012).
Scammers can exploit tales of extreme living circumstances, tragedies, family deaths, personal injuries, or other challenges to maintain the victims’ concern and engagement in their fraudulent activities. To illustrate the seriousness of the issue of cybercrime in the nation, in 2007, a youthful Nigerian artist, Olumide Adegbolu (also recognised as Olu Maintain), launched a popular song titled “Yahooze”. The song, which generated significant problems, discusses a luxurious lifestyle, extravagant vacations, and costly beverages, contingent upon the singer acquiring and converting 1 million dollars into Naira, the currency of Nigeria. Critics contended that the song glorified internet fraud, commonly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.” They emphasised that the song suggested that a young guy would aspire to adopt such a lifestyle only if he were involved in scamming activities, given the substantial amount of money involved.
Phishing is another prevalent form of cybercrime in Nigeria. Phishing is a form of attack when the attacker sends an email to the target, making it appear as if it originates from a credible source, such as a bank, in order to deceive the recipient. Phishing attacks involve sending an email to the victim, requesting them to authenticate personal information by clicking on a link that leads to a deceptive webpage. Once the necessary information is provided, the hacker can gain access to the victim’s financial data. Richards (2016) reported that in 2015, Nigeria experienced a significant increase in phishing emails sent by suspected cyber criminals. This surge coincided with the announcement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of a deadline for the Bank Verification Number (BVN). Cyber crooks inundated unsuspecting bank customers with phishing emails, falsely claiming that their accounts were on the verge of being blocked, in order to fraudulently obtain their login information once they provided it.
IMPACT OF CYBERCRIME ON NIGERIA
Cybercrime’s widespread occurrence has detrimental effects for Nigeria. The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj-Gen. Babagana Munguno (rtd), has stated that the 2014 Annual report of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) indicates an 183% increase in fraud on the e-payment platform of the Nigerian banking industry between 2013 and 2014. In addition to financial detriment, cybercrime has tarnished Nigeria’s reputation globally. For example, in India, it was alleged that over 90% of non-Indian individuals apprehended for cybercrimes in the city of Hyderabad since September 2015 were Nigerian. Based on the information provided, out of the 67 individuals apprehended for engaging in online fraud, the majority, specifically 60 individuals, were Nigerian nationals. Additionally, five individuals were from Cameroon, while the remaining two were South African nationals.
ADDRESSING CYBERCRIMES IN NIGERIA
Initially, it is imperative to address poverty directly in the nation. Nigeria requires a development strategy that would rejuvenate the economy and offer effective methods to address unemployment and poverty. The government should prioritise the issue of significant job creation as a central emphasis of national development and economic growth strategies. To address poverty in the country, the government must develop and execute programmes that will directly benefit the impoverished population. This can be achieved by restructuring Nigeria’s gross domestic product to incorporate a diverse range of labour-intensive industries, such as agriculture and industrialization. Furthermore, the effective mitigation of cybercrime in Nigeria relies on the presence of adequate coordination and direction for all relevant players. Addressing cybercrime is an ongoing obligation that must be collectively shared by individuals, industry, and government. This entails establishing mutually advantageous alliances to exchange information and collaborate to tackle cybercrime.
Furthermore, a significant number of cybercrimes remain undetected, and even when they are reported, many victims exhibit a lack of cooperation with law enforcement authorities. Victims of cybercrime, whether they are people or organisations, must collaborate with law enforcement agencies to achieve an efficient response. It is crucial to provide knowledge about cybercrime protection to society members, as cybercriminals continuously devise novel methods of attack and actively seek for possible targets. In addition, international cooperation is essential to tackle cybercrimes. Given its international nature, it is evident that governments worldwide must enhance their collaboration, establish alliances, and assure the effectiveness of their legal, technological, and institutional frameworks. Hence, it is imperative for states to achieve consensus and strive towards developing a framework of global collaboration (Rishi & Gupta, 2015). Ultimately, maintaining a state of constant watchfulness can significantly contribute to the battle against cybercrime. A notable proportion of cybercrimes can be averted by adhering to fundamental cyber practices, such as regularly upgrading software, employing robust passwords, and doing routine system backups.
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