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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)

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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

  1. To examine the role of forensic accounting in investigating corruption in Nigerian public institutions.

  2. To assess the effectiveness of forensic accounting in assisting the ICPC in identifying and prosecuting corrupt officials.

  3. To identify the challenges and limitations of forensic accounting in tackling corruption within public institutions in Nigeria.

Research Questions

  1. How does forensic accounting contribute to the investigation of corruption in Nigerian public institutions?

  2. How effective is forensic accounting in assisting the ICPC in identifying and prosecuting corrupt officials?

  3. What challenges does forensic accounting face in investigating corruption within public institutions in Nigeria?

Research Hypotheses

  1. Forensic accounting significantly enhances the ICPC's ability to investigate corruption in Nigerian public institutions.

  2. Forensic accounting plays a significant role in the prosecution of corrupt officials by the ICPC.

  3. 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.





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