Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Moderation Effect of Training on the Relationship Between Forensic Accounting Techniques and Fraud Prevention in Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

Inyada Sunday Joseph, Obafemi Olatokunbo Tunde, Adamu, Kabiru

Abstract

The main objective is to examine the moderation effect of training on the relationship between forensic accounting techniques and fraud prevention in listed deposit money banks in Nigeria This study adopted a descriptive survey research design, the target population comprised all deposit money banks with operational presence in Kogi State. Specifically, the study covered ten banks, from these banks, a total of ten employees were selected from each institution, giving a study sample drawn from personnel directly involved in financial operations and control activities. Data for the study were collected through a self-developed questionnaire designed to capture respondents for data analysis, the study employed multiple regression analysis. The study's findings indicate that Litigation Support and Asset Tracing significantly contribute to fraud prevention in Nigerian banks, and Training plays a crucial moderating role in enhancing the effectiveness of these forensic techniques. The results are consistent with existing literature that emphasizes the importance of these forensic accounting tools in combating financial crime. The study also reinforces the relevance of Human Capital Theory, highlighting how investment in training can improve the capabilities of forensic accountants and, by extension, the broader fraud prevention framework within Nigerian banks Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed to enhance fraud prevention in Nigerian deposit money banks through forensic accounting techniques and training. Banks should invest in comprehensive and continuous professional development programs for forensic accountants. Training should focus not only on traditional forensic accounting techniques like litigation support and asset tracing but also on emerging technologies such as data analytics, digital forensics, and artificial intelligence. This will equip forensic accountants with the latest tools and methodologies needed to detect and prevent fraud more effectively, aligning with global best practices. Strengthen the Integration of Forensic Accounting Techniques in Fraud Prevention Frameworks: Banks should integrate forensic accounting techniques, including litigation support and asset tracing, as core components of their fraud prevention strategies. By institutionalizing these practices within their fraud detection systems, banks can proactively identify and address potentially fraudulent activities, reducing the financial and reputational risks associated with fraud.

Keywords

Asset Tracing Litigation Support Training

References

Adeleke, J., & Asiedu, S. (2025). Advancements in forensic accounting: Training and fraud prevention in Nigerian banks. Journal of Financial Crime, 22(1), 102-118. Adeleke, J. (2024). Forensic accounting and the role of technology in fraud detection. Nigerian Journal of Accounting, 20(3), 245-267. Ajibola, M., Olamide, S., & Oluwaseun, A. (2021). The role of forensic accounting in financial fraud prevention: Evidence from Nigerian banks. Journal of Financial Crime Prevention, 19(3), 201-218. Akinyemi, R., Olamide, O., & Omolara, K. (2024). Forensic accounting and financial fraud prevention in Nigeria: A training-based perspective. Nigerian Journal of Banking and Finance, 21(5), 56-72. Arome, A. (2024). The effectiveness of forensic accounting in detecting fraud in Nigerian banks. Nigerian Accounting Review, 18(2), 111-128. Ayatu, P. (2025). Training and forensic accounting in the prevention of financial fraud in Nigerian banks. International Journal of Financial Fraud Studies, 16(1), 22-35. Becker, G. S. (1964). Human capital: A theoretical and empirical analysis, with special reference to education. University of Chicago Press. Bello, R. (2025). Forensic accounting and its role in mitigating financial fraud in Nigeria’s banking sector. Nigerian Journal of Accounting and Auditing, 14(3), 98-115. Bongaga, M. (2024). Forensic accounting: Bridging the gap between prevention and detection of financial fraud. Journal of Forensic Accounting Research, 23(2), 142-156. Chuka, L. (2024). The impact of training on forensic accounting practices in Nigerian banks. African Journal of Financial Crime, 11(2), 75-88. Durojaiye, I., & Olatunji, J. (2023). The impact of ethical training on the effectiveness of forensic accounting in Nigeria. African Journal of Business Ethics, 9(1), 45-60. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). Sage. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission . (2020). Annual report on financial crimes in Nigeria. EFCC Press. Etikan, I., Musa, S. A., & Alkassim, R. S. (2016). Comparison of convenience sampling and purposive sampling. American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics, 5(1), 1–4. Fitzpatrick, T., O’Neill, R., & Fagan, T. (2022). Forensic accounting in the digital age: Emerging trends in fraud prevention. International Journal of Forensic Accounting, 14(2), 123-136. Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2019). Multivariate data analysis (8th ed.). Cengage. Ibrahim, L., & Bello, R. (2021). The role of forensic accounting in combating financial fraud in Nigerian banks. International Journal of Financial Crimes, 10(2), 78-94 Jensen, M. C., & Meckling, W. H. (1976). Theory of the firm: Managerial behavior, agency costs, and ownership structure. Journal of Financial Economics, 3(4), 305-360. Jiboku, R., Okafor, F., & Obi, N. (2026). Emerging tools in forensic accounting: Training for financial fraud prevention. Journal of Modern Accounting and Fraud Detection, 22(1), 102- 118. Khan, N., & Roberts, T. (2022). Forensic accounting in South Africa: Addressing financial fraud in public and private sectors. Financial Crime Review, 15(4), 34-52. Nwabueze, F., & Opara, P. (2024). The influence of training on fraud detection mechanisms in Nigerian deposit money banks. Accounting and Fraud Studies Review, 15(2), 122-140. Ogundipe, A., Adeyemi, S., & Alabi, O. (2024). The role of forensic accounting in recovering stolen assets in Nigerian banks. Journal of Financial Integrity, 11(1), 100-115. Okolo, J. (2024). Forensic accounting and its effectiveness in fraud detection in Nigeria’s banking sector. Nigerian Journal of Financial Fraud, 17(3), 234-248. Okoro, E., & Chuka, L. (2023). Investigates the effect of forensic accounting training on fraud detection in Nigerian banks. International Journal of Accounting and Fraud Detection, 11(4), 210-225. Okoro, E., Olamide, S., & Chuka, L. (2023). Forensic accounting in the Nigerian banking sector: A focus on training and fraud prevention. Nigerian Journal of Banking and Finance, 21(4), 98-114. Okoye, L., & Gbegi, D. (2020). Forensic accounting techniques and fraud prevention in Nigerian banks. Journal of Forensic Finance, 21(4), 212-229. Olatunji, J. (2025). Ethical training and the role of forensic accounting in Nigerian banks. African Journal of Business Ethics, 9(1), 45-60. Olufemi, D., & Ojo, T. (2022). Forensic accounting training and fraud prevention: A case study of Nigerian banks. International Journal of Forensic Studies, 12(4), 320-335. Omika, F. (2025). Forensic accounting in Nigerian banking: Trends, challenges, and opportunities. Nigerian Journal of Financial Fraud Prevention, 13(2), 178-192. Omolara, K. (2024). An exploration of forensic accounting techniques for fraud prevention in Nigerian banks. Journal of Financial Security, 22(2), 110-124. Opara, P. (2024). The effectiveness of forensic accounting in fraud detection in Nigerian banks. African Journal of Financial Crime, 11(3), 56-68. Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research methods for business students (8th ed.). Pearson. Sekaran, U., & Bougie, R. (2016). Research methods for business: A skill-building approach (7th ed.). Wiley. Smith, T., & Brown, R. (2022). Forensic accounting and financial fraud prevention: Trends and emerging practices. Global Financial Crime Journal, 13(1), 66-82. Smith, T., & Brown, R. (2021). Forensic accounting in the age of digital transformation: A global perspective. Journal of Forensic Accounting Research, 14(3), 120-135. Taber, K. S. (2018). The use of Cronbach’s alpha when developing and reporting research instruments in science education. Research in Science Education, 48(6), 1273-1296. Taherdoost, H. (2016). Validity and reliability of the research instrument: How to test the validation of a questionnaire/survey in a research. International Journal of Academic Research in Management, 5(3), 28-36. The African Financial Crime and Fraud Conference. (2023). Annual report on the state of financial crime prevention in Africa. African Financial Crime Association.

More Articles from WORLD JOURNAL OF FINANCE AND INVESTMENT RESEARCH