NIGERIA FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: A CRTICAL EXAMINATION OF ITS SUCCESSES AND PITFALLS IN THE RESTORATION OF VICTIMS OF CRIME

Abstract

Financial crime is a global phenomenon that challenges the economy of sovereign nations. As a trans-border crime, it is often one of the most difficult crime to investigate and prosecute. This is because perpetrators device different approaches on regular basis to circumvent the security architecture of any nation. Victims of crime sustain humongous loss to financial criminals which in consequence significantly affects their livelihood. This paper therefore seeks to examine the Nigeria approach to fighting this crime with the view to how victims are treated after the trial and conviction of financial criminals. The paper adopted doctrinal approach to answer the lone question of how victims are treated after the conviction of financial criminals. The research discovers that victims are not reckoned with by most of the applicable laws to fighting financial crimes in Nigeria. The paper therefore recommends a comprehensive review of these legislation to carry on board order for restitution to victims of financial crime after the trial and conviction of the offenders.