Impact of forensic accounting mechanisms on access to justice in Nigeria: An evaluation of the role of EFCC and ICPC

Abstract

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are essential institutions in Nigeria's judicial system, responsible for ensuring access to justice. Acknowledging their significance, this study investigates the influence of forensic accounting on access to justice in Nigeria. The research utilizes survey data from a sample of 399 participants, with the dependent variable being access to justice and the independent variables consisting of financial fraud investigation, expert witness services, litigation support, and dispute resolution. In the analysis, this study used multiple regression and results show that financial fraud investigation, expert witness services, dispute resolution, and litigation support services all have a significant positive impact on access to justice in Nigeria. Based on the results, it is recommended to allocate appropriate resources for conducting financial fraud investigations, strengthen the quality of expert witness services, promote the utilization of alternative dispute resolution, and provide adequate support services for litigation. These measures are crucial for improving access to justice in Nigeria. By ensuring sufficient funding for thorough investigations into financial fraud, enhancing the qualifications and expertise of expert witnesses, encouraging the use of alternative methods for resolving disputes, and offering comprehensive support services for litigation, the accessibility and fairness of the legal system can be significantly enhanced.