Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the perception of cybercrime among
Nigerian youths using Caritas University as a study. In this research study, we
found out people’s reaction to messages depends mainly on how it is perceived.
To achieve the aim o the study, literature was reviewed. Survey research method
was used in which questionnaire, the major instrument, was distributed to
various respondents in the execution of the study. Samples were selected using
the systematic random sampling techniques. Chi-square and simple percentages
was used in analyzing data. Internet is used as a channel for the perpetration of
criminal spamming activities was the finding drawn. Finally, Cyber laws should be
made to govern the country’s cyber space and give the nation’s adequate cyber
security was the recommendation gotten based on the finding drawn.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Table of contents
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of research problems
1.3 Purpose of study
1.4 Objectives of the study
1.5 Research questions
1.6 Research hypotheses
1.7 Significance of the study
1.8 Scope and limitation of the study
1.9 Assumptions of the study
1.10 Definition of terms
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Sources of literature
2.2 Review of relevant literature
2.3 Theoretical framework
2.4 Summary of literature
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Area of study
3.3 Population of study
3.4 Research sampling techniques and sample size
3.5 Instrument for data collection
3.6 Validity of the instrument
3.7 Method of data collection
3.8 Method of data analysis
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
4.1 Data presentation and analysis
4.2 Hypotheses testing
4.3 Discussion on findings
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR FURTHER STUDY
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations for further study
References
Appendix I
Appendix II
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Crime remains pervasive and forever strives to hide itself in the face of
development. As measures and techniques for detecting crimes and criminals
advance, criminals also look for means of hiding from these measures.
Obano (2007:17) asserts that the internet currently serve as a hiding place
for fraudsters who have simply migrated from the streets to an electronic
platform.
Okonigini (2002:25) defines computer crime as criminal activities, involving
information technology infrastructure, including illegal access of computer data
from or within a computer.
Similarly, Asokhia (2003:49) asserts that cyber crime, popularly called
“YAHOO” is an off-shoot of advance fee fraud which became popular in the early
90s. Today, it has produced “YAHOO” as its first offspring with mostly young
people (most especially the unemployed) as its practitioners.
Different nations have adopted different strategies to contend with crimes
depending on their nature and extent. Certainly, a nation with high incidence of
crime cannot grow or develop. For Nigeria, a nation in the process of saving her
face regarding cyber crimes, efforts are now being directed at the sources and
channels through which cyber crimes are being perpetuated the most. [Chiemeke
(2008:32)].
Martins (2008:47) assert that “YAHOOISM” is an act of cyber crime that
defrauds unsuspecting victims in foreign countries of their hard-earned money. In
some instance, the unsuspecting victim is used to defraud banks, postal agencies,
shops, etc. the yahoos (perpetrator) sends fake cheque or postal money orders to
victims in any of the following countries: Canada, United States of America and
other European countries or Asia as the case may be.
He further notes that when the cheques or money order are cashed, the
victim is told to send the money through Western Union Money transfer in
Nigeria, while in other cases, the victim is told to send the money to another
country where the yahooist has built networks over time.
The mode of money collection is usually dependent on the modus operandi
the yahooist uses. In similar vein, Alemika (2007:15) notes that in Nigeria today,
cyber crime has found its root in the society. Like a cankerworm it has eaten
deeply in the society and finally been accepted by the same society.
It is difficult to deny youth support of the menace with yahooze shirts,
yahooze dance steps, yahooze songs from the likes of Olu Maintain. Even some
young people identify themselves as yahoo boys and girls.
Similarly, Martins (2008:43) notes that the paramount classification of
yahooism as a branch of cyber crime and transitional crime is not only expedient
in understanding its mystery, but propounding a lasting solution when
considering curbing the menace. Yahooism is the fastest growing transnational
crime in recent times, especially in Nigeria.
1.2 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
Nigeria according to Wikipedia is said to be 7
th largest oil producing country
in the world, but nevertheless, the majority of Nigerians are still living in poverty.
Nigeria is also rated amongst one of the most corrupt countries of the
world.
Internet usage in Nigeria has grown rapidly resulting in the explosion of
Internet Service Providers (ISPS) and Internet Access Point creating an increase in
the positive impacts on the socio-economic and educational developments in the
country.
Unfortunately, the country’s image has also suffered as a result of the
unscripted activities of some Nigerians using the internet as a channel for the
perpetration of criminal spamming activities.
The major implication of the unconscious acceptance of this menace in the
Nigerian society in the nearest future has created a high level of disinterest in
education and touting among young people.
In Nigeria today, young people mostly youths are the ones who engage in
this form of anti-social behaviour for the purpose of living a life of splendour.
In recent times Nigeria has been labelled as a corrupt nation. There is a
need for the Nigerian government to do something fast and urgent to curb this
menace of cyber crime.
1.3 PURPOSE OF STUDY
1. To determine the perception of Nigerian youths towards cybercrime.
2. To determine the reason why cybercrime is mostly rampant among
Nigerian youths.
3. To suggest measures that can be taken by the federal government to curb
cybercrime in Nigeria.
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To find out how Nigerian youths perceive cybercrime.
2. To assess the ways federal government can curb the continued spread
of cybercrime among Nigerian youths and the general public.
3. To ascertain the factors that tends to cause young people’s involvement
in cybercrime in Nigeria.
4. To find out if the internet is used as a channel for the perpetration of
criminal spamming activities.
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. In what way do Nigerian youths perceive cybercrime?
2. What are the ways Federal Government can curb the continued spread
of cybercrime among Nigerian youth and the general public?
3. Is the internet used as a channel for the perpetration of criminal
spamming activities?
4. What are the factors that tend to cause people’s involvement in
cybercrime in Nigeria?
1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
H0: internet is not used as a channel for the perpetration of criminal
spamming activities.
H1: internet is used as a channel for the perpetration of criminal spamming
activities.
H0: the Federal Government cannot curb the continued spread of
cybercrime among Nigerian youths and the general public.
H2: the Federal Government can curb the continued spread of cybercrime
among Nigerian youths and the general public.
1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study, which is primarily aimed at explaining how cybercrime has
impacted on the perception of youths in the society, will provide an insight
into the problems associated with cybercrime.
This report would be of great benefit for youths, to expose them to the
factors that tend to cause young people’s involvement in cybercrime in Nigeria.
It would be useful to the government and related stakeholders to enable
them adequately understand factors responsible for and how to curb the
continue spread of cybercrime among Nigerian youths [and the general public].
The findings will be useful for researchers to further generate knowledge in
the field.
1.8 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This study focused on the perception of cybercrime among Nigerian youths,
using students in Caritas University as the study group.
A major limitation of the group is the samples were only from Caritas
University where it was chosen as the area in carrying out this research.
This finding is based on the results gathered from Caritas University
students on the perception of cybercrime among Nigerian youths.
1.9 ASSUMPTIONS OF THE STUDY
For the purpose of this study, the following assumptions were made:
1. It is assumed that Nigeria youths are aware of cybercrime.
2. That poverty is the major reason why youths engage in cybercrime in Nigeria.
3. That peer pressure contributes to the increase of cybercrime in Nigeria.
4. That Nigerian youth are educated on the use of the cyber all the time.
1.10 DEFINITION OF TERMS
OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS
Perception: Caritas student’s attitude towards cybercrime among Nigerian
youths.
Cyber: The use of computers, information systems or the internet by the
Nigerian youths.
Crime: The display of illegal act characterized by decent, contentment or
violation of trust of the youths.
Youth: It is when a young person is young especially the time before a child
becomes an adult.
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