‘Prosecuting fraud takes time and money’: understanding fraud investigation and prosecution by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps

Purpose This paper aims to examine how the Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) investigates and prosecutes fraud cases, the common fraud types encountered and the challenges faced. It addresses a key research gap by shifting attention from high-profile agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to the grassroots role of the NSCDC in everyday fraud control. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory qualitative design was adopted, involving the review of 27 prosecuted fraud cases with all seven detectives in the Oyo State NSCDC Anti-Fraud Unit. Data were subjected to content analysis. Findings The NSCDC primarily investigates cases of Obtaining by False Pretense (OBT) and Visa Racketeering (VR). Detectives rely on community intelligence, evidence gathering and mediation. Some victims of fraud reportedly preferred restitution over prosecution due to costs and delays. Challenges to fraud prosecution faced by the NSCDC included limited funding, inadequate tools and weak interagency collaboration. Research limitations/implications The results of this study are useful for making practical interventions by the appropriate authorities to provide NSCDC with sufficient funding to improve its capacity to investigate and prosecute fraud cases using modern technologies. Practical implications By investigating fraud prosecution in Oyo State NSCDC command, this study provides insights into fraud investigation, its prosecution and the challenges confronting the agency. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study conducted on the NSCDC’s Anti-Fraud Unit, offering insights into the activities of this agency in anti-fraud prosecution. It extends criminological debates by showing how fraud theories operate in resource-scarce environments and highlights policy needs for sustainable funding, interagency cooperation and forensic modernization.