AUTOMATED FORENSIC AUDITING AND FRAUD CONTROL IN NIGERIA

AUTOMATED FORENSIC AUDITING AND FRAUD CONTROL IN
NIGERIA

(A CASE STUDY OF THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES
COMMISSION, PORTHARCOURT)

ABSTRACT

The topic “Automated forensic auditing and fraud control in Nigeria” is a critical concept in modern days accounting, and our country Nigeria is not left out in its practice. This research aims at pointing out the rationale behind fraudulent practices as well as examining the role of automated forensic auditing on fraud control. A survey research design was adopted for this research study and the sample size was selected using Taro Yamane sampling technique as data used were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Four research questions were formulated out of which three hypotheses were tested using the (ANOVA) statistical technique. From the analysis, the major findings derived were that; Automated forensic auditing has significant relationship with fraud control as it helps in the detection and prevention of fraud; There are measures employed to solve the problems of insufficient documented materials necessary for investigating suspects as it helps to foster investigative process; There are standards set for improving on techniques used for obtaining evidence. Conclusively, it can be said that fraud control in Nigeria cannot do without forensic accounting; fraud detection may not be possible in Nigeria if management of different levels are not committed to do an indebt study of a financial statement i.e. having a physical check of assets and liabilities. It was recommended that; The internal control system of every organizations should be strengthened through regular audit; training of forensic auditors should be done regularly, and also seminars should be organized to encourage the use of automated tools.

CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION

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.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

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 tge 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;

a. 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.

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

d. To identify illegally acquired wealth and confiscate it.

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

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

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLE

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

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

2. Insufficient documented materials for investigating suspects.

3. Inadequate techniques for obtaining evidence.

4. High cost of analysis.

1.3 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

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 QUESTION

Based on the foregoing, the following research questions were formulated:
i. Is there any significant relationship between automated forensic auditing and fraud control?

ii. Are there methods adopted to adequately train forensic auditors with investigative skills?

iii. Are these measures employed to solve the problem of insufficient documented materials necessary for investigating suspects?

iv. Are these standards set for improving on techniques that are meant for obtaining evidence?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

The following are the hypotheses to be tested.

Ho1: There is no significant relationship between automated forensic auditing and fraud control.

HA1: There is a significant relationship between automated forensic auditing and fraud control.

Ho2: There are no methods adopted to adequately train forensic auditors with investigative skills.

HA2: There are methods adopted to adequately train forensic auditors with investigative skills.

H03: There are no measures employed to solve the problem of insufficient documented materials necessary for investigating suspects.

HA3: There are measures employed to solve the problem of insufficient documented materials necessary for investigating suspects.

1.6 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.

1.7. SCOPE 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.

1.8. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This research work was faced with certain challenges owing to the fact that the topic in question is not yet widely known. VI2:

i. Inadequate Materials: This was the major constraint of the research work, for it was limited to few materials and mainly on internet.

ii. Time Factor: This is another factor that limited the flow of this research work. Time factor is a constraints limitation the study. Inadequate time to work due to some school activities that restricts student from going out to research.

iii. Distance: The different location of where the materials are to be gathered from posed a problem to this work, since it requires going from one accounting firm to another to gather facts relating to the topic.

iv. School Exeat: Here getting permission to sign out of school is a very big problem to the researcher. School exeat sometimes limits us student from gathering enough material for our work.

v. Fund: This serves as a major constraint to the research work. Enough funds are required in getting materials for this work.

1.9. 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.

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.0 INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, efforts are made to gather the opinions of experts in forensic auditing, on how to check and detect fraud in Nigeria.

2.1 ACADEMIC REVIEW
Deregulation, liberization, reformation as well as globalization have over the time redefined the economic landscape in Nigeria. The bad news however, is that the process also provides opportunities for fraudulent activities, which includes embezzlement, money laundering, bribery etc.
This incidence of financial fraud, particularly in a computerized environment is increasing, and it has been a central feature in a number of financial scandals in recent years. This fact together with the increasing sophistication of fraudsters creates difficult problems for management and auditors.

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