Combating the Menace of Cybercrime

The contribution of internet to the development of the nation has been marred by cybercrime activities. Cybercrime is emerging as a very concrete threat, not only in Nigeria but the globe at large. This study is concern about the Nigeria approach in combating the menace of cybercrime. In order to ensure that this study achieves its aims and objectives, the methodology used for this study involves both primary and secondary sources of legal provisions relating to cybercrime law in Nigeria. Two theories of crime namely, space transition theory and crime opportunity theory were found to be relevant to this study. Five legislations namely, the Nigeria Criminal Code Act 1990, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act 2004, the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, and Evidence Act 2011, are the current means used in Nigeria to address cybercrime activities. The study establishes that, the state of legal protection against cybercrime in Nigeria is weak and inadequate to combat cybercrime. Based on the findings on the study, recommendations are made to the Nigeria government, the security and law enforcement agencies on how to combat the menace of cybercrime and ensuring cybersecurity.