Public Perception of the Prevalence and Drivers of Youth Involvement in Cybercrime in Ojo Local Government, Lagos State

Halimah B Abdullateef; Mutiat O Lawal; Adedeji Oyenuga; Anuoluwapo E Temitope

doi:10.59890/ijaamr.v3i11.129

Authors

Halimah B Abdullateef Ojo campus, Lagos
Mutiat O Lawal Ojo campus, Lagos
Adedeji Oyenuga Ojo campus, Lagos
Anuoluwapo E Temitope Ojo campus, Lagos

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijaamr.v3i11.129

Keywords:

Cybercrime, Youth Involvement, Public Perception, Socioeconomic Factors, Anomie Theory

Abstract

This study explores public perceptions of the prevalence and drivers of youth involvement in cybercrime in Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Guided by Merton’s Anomie Theory, the quantitative research surveyed 400 respondents using structured questionnaires. Findings show that 90% view cybercrime as a serious problem, driven mainly by economic hardship, unemployment, moral decline, peer influence, and social media exposure. Weak law enforcement and lenient penalties were also identified as major enablers. Additionally, 77.5% believe digital access and social media significantly influence youth involvement, while 65% attribute the trend to weak legal consequences. Educated but unemployed youths were seen as the most vulnerable group, often viewing cybercrime as an alternative path to success. The study concludes that socioeconomic challenges and institutional weaknesses underlie youth cybercrime and recommends youth empowerment, digital ethics education, and stronger cybercrime legislation

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