CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY  

The advent of computers and the internet has opened a vast array of possibilities for the young and the old in the international community to have access to the world from their homes, offices, cyber cafes and so on. In recent times, internet or web-enabled phones and other devices like iPods, and Blackberry, have made internet access easier and faster. Not so long ago, computers were large, cumbersome devices utilised primarily by government, research and financial institutions. The ability to commit computer crimes was largely limited to those with access and expertise. Today, the technology is ubiquitous and increasingly easy to use, ensuring its availability to both offenders and victims (Clough, 2010).

                The proliferation of digital technology, and the convergence of computing and communication devices, has transformed the way in which we socialise and do business. While overwhelmingly positive, there has also been a dark side to these developments. Proving the maxim that crime follows opportunity, virtually every advance has been accompanied by a corresponding niche to be exploited for criminal purposes (Clough, 2010). Thus, one major consequence of this unlimited access to the world has been an increase in the spate of cybercrimes.

        In international relations, cybercrime occupy an important and increasingly strategic role and has reflected in the formation of major international bodies and various treaties and bilateral, regional and international agreements among nations of the world (Kshetri, 2013). The most significant international instrument in the field is the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime (2001). As of September 2016, 52 countries had ratified, accessed or signed it. It has been followed by many from developing regions including the Commonwealth Model Law on Computer and Computer-related Crime (2002) and the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, adopted in June 2014. There are also initiatives at the European level. However radio plays a significant role in curbing cybercrime. Radio is an essential mass medium that virtually every member of the society benefits from. Kuewumi (2009)asserts that Radio has radicalized the face of human communication and ultimately become a fixed point in the daily lives of humans whereby people are informed, taught, nurtured and reformed by way of relaxation, reinvigoration and resuscitation. Since radio help in dissemination of information; then the issue as regard cybercrimes will be highly addressed. This makes radio as a medium of mass communication being constantly sought after by its ardent listeners. Radio is the wireless transmission of signals through free space by electromagnetic radiation of a frequencysignificantly below that of visible light, in the radio frequency range, from about 30 kHz to300GHz (Wikipedia, 2015).

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

According to a 2011 World Bank survey, out of the top ten countries in the world with a high level of cybercrime prevalence, Africa is host to four of these countries (Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and South Africa). According to another study, the top five hotspots for cybercrime are, first, the Russian Federation, followed by China, Brazil, Nigeria and Viet Nam (Time, 2014). Also, the 2010 Internet Crime Complaint Center Report ranked Nigeria third in the hierarchy of nations with the highest prevalence of cybercrime (IC3 Report, 2010). Hence, Nigeria is considered one of the major hubs of cybercrime in the world. Ironically, despite her huge resources and potentials, Nigeria is considered one of the poorest countries in the world. Using the human security approach, this paper examines the menace of cybercrime in Nigeria, and the nexus between cybercrime and poverty in the country. It argues that the alarming increase in poverty level in the country accounts largely for the increase in cybercrime

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main aim of the research work is to examine the use of radio in curbing cybercrime among undergraduate in higher institutions in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To determine the effectiveness of the use of radio in curbing cybercrime among undergraduate in higher institutions in Nigeria
2. to determine the extent to which radio use has control the prevalence of cybercrime among undergraduate in higher institutions in Nigeria
3. to determine the types of cybercrimes among undergraduate in higher institutions in Nigeria
4. to determine the factors affecting the use of radio in curbing cybercrime among undergraduate in higher institutions in Nigeria

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The study came up with research questions so as to ascertain the above stated objectives of the study. The research questions for the study are:

1. What is the effectiveness of the use of radio in curbing cybercrime among undergraduate in higher institutions in Nigeria?
2. To what extent has the use of radio controlled the prevalence of cybercrime among undergraduate in higher institutions in Nigeria?
3. What are the types of cybercrimes among undergraduate in higher institutions in Nigeria?
4. What are the factors affecting the use of radio in curbing cybercrime among undergraduate in higher institutions in Nigeria?

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

H0: the use of radio in curbing cybercrimes among undergraduates in higher institutions in Nigeria is ineffective

H1: the use of radio in curbing cybercrimes among undergraduates in higher institutions in Nigeria is effective

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study on the use of radio in curbing cybercrime among undergraduate in higher institutions in Nigeria will be of immense benefit to the Nigeria law enforcement agencies, the media and the Nigeria societies. The study will determine the causes and forms of cybercrimes. The study will also help the law enforcement agencies by providing information as regards the forms and types of cybercrimes in Nigeria. The study will serve as a repository of information to other researchers that desire to carry out similar research on the above topic. Finally the study will contribute to the body of existing literature on the use of radio in curbing cybercrime among undergraduate in higher institutions in Nigeria

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study will cover on the use of radio in curbing cybercrime among undergraduate in higher institutions in Nigeria with focus on Lagos State University.

1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Cybercrime: Cybercrime, also called computer crime, the use of a computer as an instrument to further illegal ends, such as committing fraud, trafficking in child pornography and intellectual property, stealing identities, or violating privacy