Changing Societal Culture and the Conundrum of Cybercrime in Nigeria

Abstract

The integration of nations through the instrumentality of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) comes with the issue of cybercrime which has become a 21st century crime that cut across national boundaries. The problematics of cybercrime has become an issue that has put Nigeria on a negative limelight among the comity of nations. Despite government effort at combating the menace, it has become a reoccurring phenomenon. Disconcertingly, the laws enacted and institutions setup has not yielded much results. This study draws on both primary and secondary sources of data. It examines the issue of cybercrime and the activities of cyber impostors by problematizing the relationship between the structure and function of societal institutions. Analysis of responses from in-depth interview reveals that positive values is gradually eroding the Nigerian state. The study therefore indicts poverty, unemployment, greed and desperation, lack and weak family values as well as weak institutions as triggers of cybercrimes in Nigeria. It recommends that all state institutions must work in synergy to curb the threat, the academic curriculum has to be reviewed to accommodate current realities, families need to become active and alive to their responsibility as the first agent of education and discipline. Channels that can guarantee anonymous reportage of cyber ruffians should be created so that well-meaning citizens could whistle blow suspected cases for onward investigation.