IMPEDIMENTS AGAINST CYBERCRIME INVESTIGATION IN YENAGOA: THE DETECTIVE PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The integration of technology in human daily endeavours has kept the word cybercrime on the lips of practically everyone. As the level of technological dependency increases due to unsatisfiable human needs, cybercrime has also gained global popularity. Thus, it has become a topic for discuss amongst individuals, corporate groups, nation states and international organizations and agencies. With continuous dependence on technological advancement, cybercriminals adopt advanced methods of exploiting system vulnerabilities, increasing the landscape of cyber threat in a sophisticated manner. Therefore, making it cumbersome and cost effective for law enforcement agencies to identify, trace, apprehend, convict and prosecute cybercriminals. The intent of this paper is to explore the various methods and patterns of cybercrime investigation and the impediments against successive convictions and prosecutions of cybercriminals by detectives in Yenagoa. Qualitative research method is employed while thematic analysis is utilized for data analysis. The study delves the two general categories of cybercrime investigation as digital forensics and open-source intelligence while both internal and external challenges were spotted as impediments. Internal issues highlighted a lack of logistics support, limited access to advanced technological resources, inadequate specialized training etc. External hurdles encompass victim non-cooperation, the anonymous nature of criminals, insignificant collaboration with other sister agencies, and the complex nature of collecting and preserving digital evidence admissible in court, among other factors. The paper concludes with recommendations to tackle the challenges that impede apprehension, conviction and prosecution of cybercriminals in the cause of cybercrime investigation.