Cybercrime and Older Adults in Christian-Dominated Southern Nigeria

Research from the University of Nigeria Nsukka explores the experiences of older adults as victims of fraud and cybercrime in Christian-dominated southern Nigeria. The study identified several themes, including being less critical, being overambitious, being financially stable, being technologically less equipped, being aggressors who offer help, and being unwilling to let people know of their plight. The research highlights the need for those with Christian ethics to protect older adults from cybercrime and prevent exploitation.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that older adults in Christian-dominated southern Nigeria are vulnerable to cybercrime due to their lack of technical skills and fear of reporting their plight.
• The study identified six themes that contribute to the vulnerability of older adults to cybercrime: being less critical, being overambitious, being financially stable, being technologically less equipped, being aggressors who offer help, and being unwilling to let people know of their plight.
• The research emphasizes the need for those with Christian ethics to take responsibility in protecting older adults from cybercrime and exploitation.
• The study used a qualitative approach, gathering data from academic literature, periodicals, and in-depth interviews with 12 younger and older adults from southern Nigeria.
• The research recognizes the rapid growth of cybercrime in Nigeria, with the aim of exploring the experiences of older adults who are targets of cybercrime.

Statistics:

• 12 in-depth interviews were conducted with younger and older adults from southern Nigeria as part of the study.
• The study found that older adults in Christian-dominated southern Nigeria are vulnerable to cybercrime, with the rate of cybercrime increasing due to the acquisition of technical skills by individuals without Christian ethics.
• The research concludes that there is a need for protection of older adults from cybercrime and exploitation by those with Christian ethics.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Researchers from University of Nigeria Nsukka Describe Findings in Engineering (Fraud and Cybercrime Against Older Adults In Christian-dominated Southern Nigeria). Elder Law Weekly. July 23, 2025; p 2877.
• Fraud and Cybercrime Against Older Adults In Christian-dominated Southern Nigeria. Security Journal, 2025;38(1).