CYBERCRIME-RITUALISM AND VICTIMIZATION IN CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The general aim of the study is to assess cybercrime, ritualism, and criminal
victimisation in the Kwara Central Senatorial District of Kwara State, Nigeria. Two specific
objectives are considered, which include the prevalence of cybercrime-ritualism and the effect
of invocation on criminal victimization. The development of information and communication
technology (ICT) has revealed an ever-expanding knowledge field that seeks to bring global
activities to everyone doorstep. Apart from facilitating the emergence of a global village, the
increased access to the internet has opened a window for both legitimate and illegitimate
transactions. A thematic review of the literature is carried out. The study used Rational Choice
Theory for its theoretical framework. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design in
Kwara Central Senatorial District, using 611 respondents to whom structured questionnaires
were administered. All the youths and women leaders from selected wards were engaged in an
in-depth interview. The result indicated that 26.5% agreed that many people have fallen victim
to cybercrime-ritualists in Kwara central senatorial district. The study concluded that
addressing criminal victimization associated with cybercrime-ritualism required a
comprehensive approach, with the recommendation that the Kwara state government should
organise an anti-ritual program side by side with an anti-cybercrime program.