Cybercrime Prosecution and Conviction: Assessing the Roles of Efcc in Curbing Cyber Crimes Among youth in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT Cybercrime has emerged as a significant global challenge, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments. In Nigeria, youth engagement in cybercrime, especially among residents of Ekiti State, has raised concerns about national security, economic stability, and the integrity of digital systems. This study examines the role of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in curbing cybercrime among youth in Ekiti State, focusing on the deterrent effects of prosecution, the effectiveness of EFCC strategies, the socio-economic drivers behind youth involvement, and the impact of legal frameworks and institutional capacities on prosecution rates. Using a survey research method, the study collected data from law enforcement professionals, youth participants, and community stakeholders in Ekiti State to assess the EFCC's effectiveness in preventing and prosecuting cybercrimes. The study finds out that youths who engages in cyber crime activities are likely not to be discouraged and deter from such activities as a result of fear of legal consequences like prosecution and conviction. Further Findings indicate that while prosecution serves as a potential deterrent, its impact is weakened by inconsistent enforcement, limited technological resources, and socio-economic factors that incentivize youth involvement in cybercrime. Furthermore, the legal and institutional barriers within Nigeria’s cybercrime regulatory environment were found to constrain effective intervention by the EFCC. The study concludes that combating cybercrime in Ekiti State requires a multifaceted approach, integrating technological advancements, stronger enforcement frameworks, and socio-economic programs targeting youth. It recommends an overhaul of existing legal and institutional frameworks to enhance the EFCC’s capacity to address cyber threats and a strategic focus on youth empowerment to reduce their vulnerability to cybercrime activities. This research contributes to understanding how targeted law enforcement strategies, combined with socio-economic interventions, can reduce cybercrime and foster a safer digital environment