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PSYCHOLOGICAL JUSTIFICATION OF FRAUD AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTHS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The increasing prevalence of fraud among Nigerian youths has become a significant concern for policymakers, educators, and society at large. Fraudulent activities in Nigeria have evolved from traditional methods to more sophisticated cyber-enabled schemes, particularly among the youth demographic (Nwankwo & Okafor, 2023). This phenomenon is not only a legal issue but also a psychological one, as it reflects deeper socio-behavioral patterns that influence individuals to engage in unethical behaviors (Adebayo & Oladipo, 2021). Understanding the psychological justification behind fraudulent behavior among Nigerian youths requires an exploration of various factors including economic pressures, social influences, cognitive development, and moral reasoning.

Economic hardship remains one of the most cited reasons for the involvement of Nigerian youths in fraudulent activities (Adeyemi, 2022). High unemployment rates, limited access to quality education, and inadequate infrastructure create a fertile ground for criminal engagement. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2023), youth unemployment in Nigeria stands at over 42%, indicating a large proportion of young people who are either underemployed or unemployed. This lack of viable economic opportunities often pushes youths into illegal income-generating ventures, including financial fraud and internet scams (Uzochukwu et al., 2021).

Psychologically, this can be linked to the theory of relative deprivation, which posits that individuals may resort to deviant behavior when they perceive a discrepancy between what they expect and what they actually receive (Runciman, 1966, as cited in Okorie & Ezeani, 2020). In Nigeria, many youths grow up with high expectations influenced by Western lifestyles and global media, yet face harsh realities that do not align with these aspirations (Ogunnaike et al., 2022). The resulting frustration and sense of injustice can lead to rationalizations that justify fraudulent behavior as a means of survival or upward mobility.

Another psychological factor contributing to fraud among Nigerian youths is peer pressure and social conformity. Research shows that adolescents and young adults are particularly susceptible to social influence due to their ongoing cognitive and emotional development (Steinberg & Monahan, 2021). When youths observe peers engaging in fraudulent practices without facing consequences, they may internalize such behavior as socially acceptable or even admirable (Igwe et al., 2021). Social learning theory further explains how individuals adopt behaviors through observation and imitation, especially when those behaviors are rewarded (Bandura, 1977, as cited in Nwoke & Okoye, 2020).

Moreover, the rise of digital technologies and the internet has significantly transformed the nature of fraud, making it easier for tech-savvy youths to engage in cybercrime without direct confrontation or physical risk (Abubakar et al., 2022). Cyber fraud, including advance fee scams (commonly known as "Yahoo Yahoo"), identity theft, and phishing, has become a lucrative venture for many Nigerian youths (Onyeizugbe & Okorie, 2021). The anonymity provided by online platforms reduces the psychological barriers associated with committing crimes, thereby increasing the likelihood of fraudulent behavior (Ajayi & Adekunle, 2023).

Moral disengagement is another key concept in understanding the psychological justification of fraud. According to Bandura (1999, as cited in Udensi & Okoro, 2021), individuals can psychologically distance themselves from the ethical implications of their actions by using mechanisms such as diffusion of responsibility, dehumanization of victims, and moral justification. Nigerian youths involved in fraud often rationalize their actions by believing that foreign victims deserve the losses or that the government’s failure to provide opportunities justifies their illicit earnings (Eboiyehi et al., 2020).

In addition, the lack of effective legal enforcement and weak institutional frameworks contribute to the perpetuation of fraudulent behavior. Many youths believe that the probability of being caught and punished for fraud is low, which further encourages such behavior (Ojo & Akinlabi, 2022). This perception is reinforced by the relatively few high-profile convictions related to cybercrime in Nigeria, despite the widespread occurrence of such offenses (Adegbite et al., 2021).

Educational background also plays a role in shaping attitudes toward fraud. Studies indicate that youths with higher levels of education may be more likely to engage in sophisticated forms of fraud due to their technical knowledge and awareness of system vulnerabilities (Omondi & Onsomu, 2021). However, this does not imply that less-educated youths are immune to fraud; rather, their involvement may manifest in different forms, such as street-level scams or involvement in organized crime networks (Nduka et al., 2023).

Furthermore, family dynamics and upbringing significantly influence behavioral tendencies. Youths raised in environments where unethical behavior is normalized or where there is a lack of parental supervision may develop weaker moral foundations (Oludayo & Adeoye, 2020). Psychological research supports the idea that early childhood experiences shape personality traits such as impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and low empathy, all of which are correlated with criminal behavior (Farrington et al., 2021).

Cognitive distortions—erroneous beliefs that justify wrongdoing—are also prevalent among offenders. These include minimizing the harm caused, blaming external circumstances, or exaggerating the benefits of the fraudulent act (Gollwitzer & Denzler, 2021). For instance, Nigerian youths involved in cybercrime may convince themselves that their actions help them escape poverty or support their families, thereby reducing feelings of guilt (Ezenekwe et al., 2022).

The Nigerian cultural context also plays a complex role. While some cultural norms emphasize honesty and hard work, others may inadvertently promote material success as a measure of personal worth, potentially encouraging unethical shortcuts (Adeyemo, 2021). Additionally, societal glorification of wealth, regardless of its source, may normalize fraudulent behavior among impressionable youths (Babajide et al., 2020).

In conclusion, the psychological justification of fraud among Nigerian youths is a multifaceted issue rooted in economic, social, cognitive, and cultural dimensions. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying motivations and behavioral mechanisms that drive youths toward fraudulent activities. By examining these psychological factors, this study aims to contribute valuable insights that can inform policy, prevention strategies, and intervention programs aimed at curbing fraud among Nigerian youths.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite numerous efforts by both governmental and non-governmental organizations to curb fraudulent practices among youths in Nigeria, the problem continues to persist and evolve. The persistence of fraud among Nigerian youths raises critical concerns about the psychological underpinnings that motivate such behavior. Existing literature suggests that economic hardship, social influence, moral disengagement, and technological advancement are significant contributors to youth involvement in fraud. However, there remains a gap in understanding how these psychological factors interact and influence fraudulent behavior among Nigerian youths. There is also a dearth of empirical studies that comprehensively examine the psychological justification of fraud within the Nigerian context. This lack of insight limits the effectiveness of current interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of fraud among youths. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the psychological factors that justify fraudulent behavior among Nigerian youths, providing a foundation for more targeted and effective interventions.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the psychological justification of fraud among Nigerian youths. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of economic hardship on the tendency of Nigerian youths to engage in fraudulent behavior.

ii. To determine the extent to which peer influence contributes to fraudulent behavior among Nigerian youths.

iii. To find out how moral disengagement mediates the relationship between psychological factors and fraudulent behavior among Nigerian youths.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of economic hardship on the tendency of Nigerian youths to engage in fraudulent behavior?

ii. What is the extent to which peer influence contributes to fraudulent behavior among Nigerian youths?

iii. How does moral disengagement mediate the relationship between psychological factors and fraudulent behavior among Nigerian youths?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis I

H₀: There is no significant impact of economic hardship on the tendency of Nigerian youths to engage in fraudulent behavior.

H₁: There is a significant impact of economic hardship on the tendency of Nigerian youths to engage in fraudulent behavior.

Hypothesis II

H₀: There is no significant relationship between peer influence and fraudulent behavior among Nigerian youths.

H₂: There is a significant relationship between peer influence and fraudulent behavior among Nigerian youths.

Hypothesis III

H₀: Moral disengagement does not significantly mediate the relationship between psychological factors and fraudulent behavior among Nigerian youths.

H₃: Moral disengagement significantly mediates the relationship between psychological factors and fraudulent behavior among Nigerian youths.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study holds significant relevance for various stakeholders including policymakers, law enforcement agencies, educators, and psychologists. By identifying the psychological justifications behind fraudulent behavior among Nigerian youths, the findings will provide insights that can inform the design of targeted interventions aimed at curbing fraud. The results will also contribute to existing literature on youth delinquency and cybercrime in developing countries. Moreover, the study will enhance understanding of the interplay between socioeconomic conditions and psychological processes in influencing criminal behavior. Ultimately, this research could serve as a foundation for future policies and educational programs focused on promoting ethical behavior and reducing youth involvement in fraud.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the psychological justification of fraud among Nigerian youths aged between 15 and 35 years. It covers urban and semi-urban areas in selected states across Nigeria. The research explores the roles of economic hardship, peer influence, and moral disengagement in influencing fraudulent behavior. Data will be collected primarily through structured questionnaires and interviews with youths involved in or affected by fraudulent activities.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

One of the potential limitations of this study is the reliance on self-reported data, which may be subject to response bias. Additionally, due to logistical constraints, the study may not cover all regions of Nigeria, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Furthermore, while the study examines several psychological factors, there may be other variables that also play a role in justifying fraudulent behavior, which could not be fully explored due to time and resource limitations.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Fraud: Intentional deception made for personal gain or to damage another individual, organization, or entity.

Psychological Justification: The cognitive process through which individuals rationalize unethical or immoral behavior to reduce feelings of guilt or shame.

Nigerian Youths: Individuals between the ages of 15 and 35 residing in Nigeria, representing the country's youthful population.

Economic Hardship: A condition characterized by limited access to basic needs and resources due to poverty, unemployment, or underemployment.

Peer Influence: The effect that peers have on an individual's behavior, decisions, and attitudes.

Moral Disengagement: A psychological mechanism that allows individuals to distance themselves from the ethical implications of their actions, enabling harmful behavior without guilt.

Cybercrime: Criminal activity carried out via the internet or other forms of computer technology.

Moral Reasoning: The ability to think about and make judgments regarding right and wrong based on ethical principles.

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