THE EFFECT OF LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS ON INTERNET FRAUD IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Samson Akpovie Godwin, Abdullahi N. Liman, PhD and Usman David
Volume 5 Issue 2
Abstract
This study examines the effect of legal and institutional frameworks on internet fraud in Delta State, Nigeria, amid rising cybercrime despite existing laws and enforcement agencies. Internet fraud undermines economic development, public trust, and causes financial losses. The study highlights gaps in institutional mechanisms including the EFCC and Nigerian Police Force and operational constraints such as limited technical capacity and jurisdictional challenges that hinder enforcement of the Nigerian Cybercrimes Act 2015. Using theories of legal and institutional frameworks, the research explores how these frameworks translate laws into action amid practical limitations. The population includes internet users, law enforcement, and stakeholders in Delta State. A mixed-method design gathered data through questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups, analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results show strong institutional mechanisms reduce internet fraud, while operational constraints increase its prevalence. The model explains 62% of variance in internet fraud, emphasizing the importance of legal and operational factors. In conclusion, although legal provisions provide a foundation, effectiveness is limited by operational challenges. Recommendations include enhancing law enforcement capacity with technology and training, improving coordination, establishing centralized cybercrime databases, refining procedures to protect rights, updating laws to close loopholes, and implementing socio-economic programs to address root causes. These integrated efforts are vital to effectively combating internet fraud in Delta State and Nigeria Keywords: Internet Fraud, Cybercrimes Act 2015, Operational Constraints and Delta state
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