The Role of Forensic Accounting in Supporting Legal Cases on Financial Fraud in Nigeria: A Study of Court Cases Handled by the EFCC
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Financial fraud is a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with corruption, embezzlement, and misappropriation of public funds affecting various sectors, including government, banking, and corporate enterprises. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is the primary agency responsible for investigating financial crimes in Nigeria, but the success of its investigations often depends on the quality and reliability of forensic accounting evidence. Forensic accounting applies investigative techniques to detect and prevent financial fraud, providing critical evidence in legal proceedings. Forensic accountants assist in analyzing financial records, uncovering hidden transactions, and providing expert testimony in court cases.
Forensic accounting plays a key role in supporting legal cases related to financial fraud by offering accurate, independent analysis of financial information that can be used to prove criminal intent, misconduct, and financial harm. This study aims to evaluate the role of forensic accounting in supporting legal cases on financial fraud handled by the EFCC, focusing on how forensic accountants contribute to the successful prosecution of financial crimes in Nigeria.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the EFCC's efforts to tackle financial fraud in Nigeria, challenges persist in securing convictions due to insufficient or poorly presented evidence. The role of forensic accounting in supporting legal cases has not been fully explored, particularly in terms of its effectiveness in enhancing the quality of evidence in financial crime prosecutions. This study seeks to evaluate how forensic accounting supports the EFCC in handling financial fraud cases and to assess its impact on the outcomes of legal proceedings.
Objectives of the Study
-
To examine the role of forensic accounting in supporting legal cases on financial fraud investigated by the EFCC.
-
To assess the effectiveness of forensic accounting evidence in financial fraud prosecutions handled by the EFCC.
-
To identify the challenges faced by the EFCC in utilizing forensic accounting in legal cases.
Research Questions
-
How does forensic accounting support legal cases on financial fraud investigated by the EFCC?
-
What role does forensic accounting evidence play in financial fraud prosecutions handled by the EFCC?
-
What challenges does the EFCC face in utilizing forensic accounting to support legal cases on financial fraud?
Research Hypotheses
-
Forensic accounting significantly supports legal cases on financial fraud investigated by the EFCC.
-
Forensic accounting evidence enhances the effectiveness of financial fraud prosecutions handled by the EFCC.
-
The EFCC faces challenges in utilizing forensic accounting to support legal cases on financial fraud.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on financial fraud cases handled by the EFCC from 2015 to 2025. It will evaluate the role of forensic accounting in the investigations and prosecutions of these cases. Limitations may include access restrictions to court case records and EFCC investigations, as well as challenges in obtaining detailed information on the forensic accounting techniques used.
Definitions of Terms
-
Forensic Accounting: The application of accounting principles and investigative techniques to detect, investigate, and prevent financial fraud.
-
Financial Fraud: Any deliberate act of deception or misrepresentation involving financial transactions, with the intent to gain unfair advantage or cause financial harm.
EFCC: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria’s anti-corruption and financial crimes enforcement agency
