Abstract

This study is on effectiveness of automated forensic auditing on fraud control in Nigeria. The total population for the study is 200 staff of EFCC, Abuja. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made up detective assistants, detective inspectors, senior officers and junior officers were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background of the study

Mobile wise geek (2011) defined fraud as a deliberate misrepresentation that causes a form of monetary losses. All of these are usually required for an act to be considered fraud, if someone lied about his name. United states legal (2011), defined fraud an international misrepresentation of material existing facts made by one person to another with the knowledge of its falsity and for the purpose of inducing the other person to act, and upon which the other person relies with resulting injuries or damages. Fraud  has  been  in  existence  from  the  beginning  of  creation,  and  the increase of fraud on daily basis brought about forensic auditing. Forensic  auditing  is  defined  as  the  activity  that  consist  of  gathering, verifying, processing, analyzing of and reporting of data in order to obtain facts and /or evidence in the area of legal of financial disputes and or irregularities including fraud and giving preventative advice. IFA (2011). Fraud is an independent criminal offence, and it is the main phenomenon that gave birth to forensic auditing, especially those related to economic crime. These economic crimes are known to be an unpleasant fact and a disheartening issue in the  heart  of  many  organizations,  and  the  control  of  it,  is  a  concern  for  any organization that employs employees, accountants or other hired professional that have access to the organization’s income, receipts or funds. Therefore, we are faced with  the  inescapable  conclusion  that  forensic auditors are charged with the responsibility of controlling and preventing those fraudulent practices.

Brief History of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC)

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has grown to a robust and reputable national institution that now commands respect. They have gained the admiration of Nigerians and the international community as a whole as the most vibrant anti-corruption fighting organization that has fought corruption to a standstill within the short time of its existence. Over the years, Nigeria suffered tremendously in her economy in the hands of corrupt leaders who for selfish reasons reduced a country like Nigeria which is rich in oil to one of the poorest countries in the world. All these brought about the establishment of EFCC.

 i. Formation of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC)

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) was established in

2003  by  the  Economic  and  Financial  Crimes  Commission  Act  2002,  and  re- enacted in 2004 by the Act as a body corporate with perpetual succession and common seal. It has its headquarter at No 5 Fomella Street, Off Crescent, Wuse 11, Abuja.  With  Nuhu  Ribadu  as  the  first  executive  chairman  until  2008  he  was replaced by Fomida Waziri, and Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde was appointed the chairman of the commission on 15th  February 2012 and he is still the substantive chairman till date. Its establishment was partially in response to pressure from the financial task force  on  money  laundering  (FATF),  which  named  Nigeria  as  one  of  the  23 countries  non-corporative  in  international  communities’  effort  to  fight  money laundering.

 ii. Vision statement:  To make Nigeria a safe and corrupt free business environment for sound health and positive image of the country.

 iii. Mission statement: The mission statement of the commission includes;

To curb the menace of corruption that constitutes the cog in the wheel of progress of Nigerians.

 b. To protect national and foreign investments in the country.

To imbibe the spirit of hard work in the citizenry and discourage ill-gotten wealth.

d. To identify illegally acquired wealth and confiscate it.

 To build an upright workforce in both public and private sector of the economy.

To contribute to the global war against financial crimes and terrorism financing in Nigeria.

1.2      STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In this study, there are certain problems that are related to the application of forensic auditing and they include;

 1. Insufficient skilled manpower for the use of automated tools or soft

 2. Insufficient documented materials for investigating suspects.

 3. Inadequate techniques for obtaining evidence

 4. High cost of analysis.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The general objectives of the study, is to examine the role of automated forensic auditing on fraud control, while the specific objectives of the study are as follows.

 1. To determine why there are insufficient skilled manpower needed for operating automated tools.

2. To investigate the reasons for insufficient documented materials.

 3. To examine the cause of not obtaining enough techniques used as evidence

 4. To evaluate the reasons for high cost of analysis.

1.4 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher; 

H0: There is no significant relationship between automated forensic auditing and fraud control.

H1: There is no significant relationship between automated forensic auditing and fraud control.

 H02: There are no methods adopted to adequately train forensic auditors with investigative skills.

 H2: There are methods adopted to adequately train forensic auditors with investigative skills.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study of forensic auditing will be helpful to the following categories of users.

 For Management: It will serve as a reference document for management to use as a guide for investigating and controlling fraud.

 For Auditors: It will serve as a revision kit for practicing auditors in the field.

 For the Public: It will add to existing knowledge by exposing the public on the matter  of  fraud,  making  them  know  that  even  if  fraud  cannot  be  completely eradicated, it can be controlled.

 For Researchers/Analyst: It will serve for future research study.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This  study  covers  the  activities  of  the  Economic  and  Financial  Crime Commission (EFCC), in Nigeria, especially the branch that is situated in Port- Harcourt. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

 a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study     

b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.

 1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

 AUTOMATION: This is the use of control systems and information technology to reduce the need for human work in the production of goods and services.

 FORENSIC: Belonging to, used in or suitable to courts of judicature.

 FRAUD: Irregularities involving the use of criminal detection to obtain unjust or illegal advantage.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study   

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