FORENSIC ACCOUNTING

This study investigates the impact of forensic accounting practices on corporate governance in Nigerian manufacturing companies. Specifically, it examines how fraud detection, forensic data analytics, internal control reviews, and litigation support influence transparency, accountability, and board oversight. A survey research design was adopted, and data was collected from 275 respondents, including auditors, forensic accountants, finance managers, and other professionals. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The findings reveal that fraud detection significantly enhances financial reporting integrity and
discourages financial misconduct, while forensic data analytics improves decision-making speed, risk assessment, and transparency. Reviewing internal controls was identified as the most influential factor, strengthening accountability and reducing opportunities for fraud. Additionally, forensic accounting support for litigation and investigations was found to improve compliance enforcement and ethical governance practices. Regression results confirmed that forensic accounting practices collectively have a significant positive effect on corporate governance (R = 0.488, R² = 0.238, p < 0.05).
The study concludes that forensic accounting is a critical mechanism for enhancing corporate governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and stakeholder confidence. It recommends that organizations institutionalize forensic auditing, adopt advanced data analytics tools, strengthen internal control reviews, and engage forensic experts in litigation and compliance processes.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of forensic accounting practices in detecting financial fraud within the public sector, focusing on the Edo State Government in Nigeria. A survey design was employed, with a stratified random sample of 200 respondents selected from a population of 400 government officials, auditors, and forensic practitioners. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using linear regression with SPSS 23.0. The results indicate that stringent government regulations, higher incidences of embezzlement, and the integration of digital forensics tools significantly enhance the effectiveness of forensic accounting in detecting fraud. Additionally, robust internal controls are essential for successful fraud detection. The study recommends strengthening regulatory oversight, investing in digital forensic tools, improving internal control systems, and fostering collaboration between regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and academia. Future research should explore the role of emerging technologies, such as blockchain, AI, and machine learning, in enhancing forensic accounting practices and examine the long-term impact of regulatory reforms on fraud reduction and governance transparency.

This study examined the role of forensic accounting and emerging technologies in combating cryptocurrency-related fraud within Nigeria’s evolving digital economy. The research aimed to assess the effectiveness of forensic accounting techniques, evaluate the influence of emerging technologies, and determine how regulatory frameworks and practitioners’ technical competence affect the mitigation of crypto fraud. A descriptive survey design was adopted, involving 105 respondents comprising forensic accountants, auditors, ICT professionals, academics, and regulators. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. findings revealed that forensic accounting techniques such as blockchain tracing, data mining, and transaction monitoring are significantly effective in detecting and preventing crypto-related crimes. Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain analytics also enhance the accuracy and speed of forensic investigations. Furthermore, strong regulatory frameworks positively influence
forensic accounting effectiveness, whereas weak regulations increase the prevalence of crypto fraud. The combined effect of forensic accounting and emerging technologies explained the variation in crypto-fraud reduction. The study concludes that forensic accounting, when supported by modern technology and robust regulation, serves as an indispensable tool for curbing crypto-related financial crimes in Nigeria. It recommends enhanced training for forensic accountants, adoption of AI-driven tools, regulatory reforms, inter-agency collaboration, and increased public awareness.

The study focused on the effect of forensic Accounting education on corruption and fraudulent practices in Nigeria. Specifically the objec8was to examine the extent to which the teaching, techniques, skill, and research, practices and methods of forensic accounting on corrupt practices in Nigeria and also to find out the impact of forensic accounting standards on fraudulent practices in Nigeria. The study employed the use of descriptive survey study as its research design. Five specific objectives were generated to accomplish the general objectives of the study. The findings revealed that forensic accounting should be included in secondary school curriculum in order to create an early awareness of Students' on concept related to fraud and corrupt practices In order to achieve the objectives of the study the researcher employed the use of primary data to carry out this research and the research respondents were focused on Accounting staff, Non academic in busary department and final year students in the department of accounting. A total of one hundred and fifty-eight (158) Questionnaire were distributed. The results of the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive analysis. This study recommended that research and training on forensics Accounting should be strengthened, this is to ensure that new and innovative forensic accounting practices is found which in turn could connote into more effective ways for curbing corrupt practices. The results of this study wou6be of benefit to the government, industrialist, academia and future researchers. This study will assist government in designing policies that are geared towards curbing corruption practices in Nigeria.