FORENSIC ACCOUNTING AND FRAUD PREVENTION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Abstract

Fraud remains a pervasive challenge in the Nigerian public sector, undermining transparency, accountability, and good governance. This study investigates the role of forensic accounting in fraud prevention in the Nigerian public sector. Survey design was adopted, and a 5-point likert scale questionnaire was adapted for data collection. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the data with the aid of SPSS version 23, and the results led to the rejection of all five null hypotheses. The findings indicate that Internal control, forensic audit, forensic accounting analysis, litigation advisory and financial evidence all positively predict fraud prevention significantly. The study concludes that forensic accounting plays a crucial role in fraud prevention in the Nigerian public sector. The study recommends the establishment of internal control unit,  forensic audit units,  used of financial accounting analysis, litigation advisory  and the use  of financial evidence in fraud prevention in the Nigerian public sector.