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How to Cite
COVID-19 Pandemic and Proliferation of Ponzi Schemes in Nigeria Cyberspace
Abstract
It appears that in any tensed situation criminal elements initiate ways of taming or enriching their insatiable desire for materialism. This paper examines COVID-19 pandemic and proliferation of Ponzi Schemes in Nigeria cyberspace. The Routine Activities Theory (RAT) was used in explaining the salient issues surrounding Ponzi schemes in COVID-19 era. The ex-post factor design which dwells on documented evidences was used. The findings revealed that poverty, lockdown, lack of palliatives, corruption, insensitivity of the government and porous cyberspace are factors that aided proliferation of Ponzi schemes in Nigeria during COVID-19 pandemic. This paper concluded that many Nigerians without palliatives were rendered vulnerable by the lockdown and government’s negligence or poor mitigation approach exposed them as suitable targets for criminals (motivated offenders) to exploit, especially on the nation's porous cyberspace. It recommended amongst others that the nation’s cyberspace should be tightened and adequately secured to ensure that influx of unregulated or unregistered e-businesses is minimized. This can be achieved through sending Information Technology (I.T) inclined citizens abroad to learn cyber policing or contract a renowned cyber security outfit to manage the space. The operational structure of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) should be reviewed and revived as to be responsive to issues that require public awareness or sensitization.
Authors
Christopher Chimaobi Ibekwe
Department of Sociology/Anthropology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Blessing Nonye Onyima
Department of Sociology/Anthropology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
