The Effectiveness of Forensic Accounting in Investigating Corruption in Nigerian Public Institutions: A Case Study of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Corruption has long been a pervasive issue in Nigeria, hindering socio-economic development, eroding public trust in institutions, and exacerbating poverty (Chika & Eze, 2024). Public institutions, in particular, have been susceptible to corrupt practices, with billions of Naira siphoned off through fraudulent procurement processes, misappropriation of public funds, and bribery (Okeke & Obasi, 2025). In response, the Nigerian government established the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in 2000, tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption within public institutions.
Forensic accounting has become a vital tool in this fight against corruption. By applying advanced financial investigative techniques, forensic accountants can uncover fraudulent financial transactions, track the movement of illicit funds, and provide expert testimony in court (Akinmoladun & Akinbuli, 2024). The ICPC relies heavily on forensic accountants to identify financial discrepancies, gather evidence, and build strong cases against corrupt public officials. Despite the increased use of forensic accounting, the scale and complexity of corruption in Nigerian public institutions remain significant challenges (Adediran & Akindele, 2023). This research aims to evaluate how effective forensic accounting has been in assisting the ICPC to investigate corruption within Nigerian public institutions, focusing on the challenges and successes of these efforts.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the establishment of the ICPC and its efforts to combat corruption, Nigerian public institutions remain highly corrupt. The inability to effectively trace, investigate, and prosecute corruption cases has been partly attributed to the lack of sufficient forensic accounting resources and expertise (Chika & Eze, 2024). Public officials often engage in sophisticated methods to conceal their corrupt activities, making it difficult for traditional investigative techniques to uncover the full extent of the fraud. This study aims to explore the role of forensic accounting in addressing these challenges and assess its effectiveness in supporting the ICPC in its mandate to investigate corruption within public institutions.
Objectives of the Study
-
To examine the role of forensic accounting in investigating corruption in Nigerian public institutions.
-
To assess the effectiveness of forensic accounting in assisting the ICPC in identifying and prosecuting corrupt officials.
-
To identify the challenges and limitations of forensic accounting in tackling corruption within public institutions in Nigeria.
Research Questions
-
How does forensic accounting contribute to the investigation of corruption in Nigerian public institutions?
-
How effective is forensic accounting in assisting the ICPC in identifying and prosecuting corrupt officials?
-
What challenges does forensic accounting face in investigating corruption within public institutions in Nigeria?
Research Hypotheses
-
Forensic accounting significantly enhances the ICPC's ability to investigate corruption in Nigerian public institutions.
-
Forensic accounting plays a significant role in the prosecution of corrupt officials by the ICPC.
-
There are significant challenges that limit the effectiveness of forensic accounting in investigating corruption in Nigerian public institutions.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on the role of forensic accounting in investigating corruption within Nigerian public institutions, specifically through the lens of the ICPC's operations. The study will review cases from 2010 to 2025 involving the ICPC and will focus on the challenges and effectiveness of forensic accounting techniques in corruption investigations. Limitations may include access to confidential case details and the potential reluctance of public officials to cooperate with the study.
Definitions of Terms
-
Forensic Accounting: The application of accounting skills to investigate financial crimes, including fraud and corruption.
-
Corruption: The abuse of power or position for personal gain, often involving bribery, embezzlement, or fraud.
-
ICPC: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, a Nigerian agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption within public institutions.
-
Public Institutions: Government departments, agencies, and organizations that manage public funds and services.
-
Procurement Fraud: The misappropriation of funds or manipulation of procurement processes to benefit corrupt officials.
Related Project Materials
An Investigation of Customer Satisfaction in Budget Hotels in Jos, Plateau State
Background of the Study
Customer satisfaction is a key factor in the success of the hospitality industry, including budget hotels, which cat...
An Evaluation of the Role of Civil Society Organizations in Promoting Political Participation in Lokoja LGA, Kogi State: A Case Study of the Clean Election Initiative
Background of the Study
Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a pivotal role in promoting political participation, act...
The effect of augmented reality-based book search on UX in Abia State University, Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA, Abia State
Background of the Study
Augmented reality (AR) technologies are progressively altering the landscape of digital library ser...
EFFECT OF INNOVATION TOWARDS MEETING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN NIGERIA BANKING SECTOR
ABSTRACT
This research examined the effect of motivation in meeting customer’s satisfaction in the banking sector....
An examination of the impact of cultural norms on female students’ participation in STEM subjects in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State
Background of the Study
Cultural norms play a significant role in shaping educational choices, particularly in the context...
An assessment of the effect of online political debates on voter decision-making in Oron Local Government, Akwa Ibom State
Background of the Study:
The rise of online political debates has significantly reshaped the political landscape by providi...
THE USE OF REFLECTIVE THINKING IN TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE TO CHILDREN IN NIGERIA
The study explore the use of Reflective Thinking Strategies on teaching English L...
THE IMPACT OF STRATEGIC SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES ON BUSINESS SUCCESS
Abstract:
This study aims to (1) evaluate the impact of strategic sustainability practices on business suc...
Photography as a Tool for Promoting Intercommunity Dialogue in Takai Local Government Area, Kano State
Chapter One: Introduction
INFLUENCE OF INSURGENCY ON FAMILY RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN NORTH-EAST, NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
This research studied the influence of insurgency on family relationship among the internally displaced persons in North-East, N...
