FORENSIC LINGUISTICS AS A VERITABLE TOOL FOR FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS: A

CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA POLICE FORCE

By:
Akpotyo Lazarus Terhemba

Abstract
The Nigeria Police Force is responsible for the investigation of various types of
fraud in the country. One of the challenges the force faces in carrying out its
investigative duties is the ability to detect and investigate fraudulent
communication. Forensic linguistics is a valuable tool in detecting fraudulent
communication and has been used successfully in many countries. This study
explores the use of forensic linguistics in fraud investigations by the Nigeria Police
Force. A case study approach was adopted, and data were collected from police
reports, interviews with police officers, and court records. The findings reveal that
forensic linguistics is a valuable tool in fraud investigations in Nigeria. The study
also highlights the challenges faced by the police force in using forensic linguistics,
including a lack of resources and training. The study concludes that the Nigeria
Police Force should invest in the development of forensic linguistic expertise to
improve their ability to detect and investigate fraud in the country.

Introduction

Fraud is a pervasive problem in Nigeria, with individuals and organizations

engaging in various forms of financial crimes. One of the major challenges faced in
investigating fraud cases in Nigeria is the difficulty in obtaining tangible evidence
that can be used to prosecute offenders. However, forensic linguistics, the
scientific study of language and its use in legal contexts, has emerged as a
valuable tool for investigating fraud cases in the country. This article will explore
the potential of forensic linguistics as a tool for investigating fraud in Nigeria, with
a case study of the Nigeria Police Force.
Fraud is a pervasive problem in Nigeria, with individuals and organizations
engaging in various forms of financial crimes. These crimes not only result in
significant financial losses but also damage the reputation of the country as a
whole. One of the major challenges faced in investigating fraud cases in Nigeria is
the difficulty in obtaining tangible evidence that can be used to prosecute
offenders. However, forensic linguistics, the scientific study of language and its
use in legal contexts, has emerged as a valuable tool for investigating fraud cases
in the country.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recognized the potential of forensic linguistics
in tackling fraud and has started to incorporate it into their investigations. In a
recent case study conducted by the NPF, forensic linguistics was used to
investigate a case of identity theft and fraud perpetrated by a group of
individuals. The suspects had impersonated a wealthy businessman and had used
his identity to defraud several individuals and organizations of large sums of
money.

The investigation began with a review of the suspects' written and spoken
language, including emails, text messages, and recorded phone calls. The forensic
linguists were able to identify linguistic features unique to the suspects' language
use, such as vocabulary choices, grammatical structures, and patterns of speech.
These features were then compared to known samples of the businessman's
language use, and inconsistencies were identified.

Further analysis revealed that the suspects had used a variety of techniques to
disguise their identities, including the use of false accents and deliberate errors in
spelling and grammar. However, forensic linguists were able to identify these
techniques and use them as evidence in court. The suspects were subsequently
convicted of fraud and sentenced to long prison terms.

This case study illustrates the potential of forensic linguistics in investigating fraud
cases in Nigeria. By analyzing language use, forensic linguists can provide valuable
insights into the identity of suspects and their involvement in criminal activities.
Furthermore, forensic linguistics can also help to identify inconsistencies and
discrepancies in language use, which can be used as evidence in court.

However, there are still challenges to be addressed in the use of forensic

linguistics in Nigeria. For example, there is a shortage of trained forensic linguists
in the country, and more resources need to be dedicated to training and
development in this area. Additionally, there is a need for more collaboration
between law enforcement agencies and forensic linguistics experts to ensure that
investigations are conducted in a timely and effective manner.

There are some examples of fraudulent activities in Nigeria that have been
reported in the past and handled by the Nigeria Police Force. They include:

One, Advanced Fee Fraud (419): This is one of the most common types of fraud in
Nigeria. It involves promising victims a large sum of money in exchange for a small
upfront payment. In one case, the Nigeria Police Force arrested and charged a
group of fraudsters who posed as officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation (NNPC) and duped a businessman of over N20 million.

Two, ATM Fraud: This type of fraud involves stealing credit or debit card details
and PINs through the use of skimming devices or hacking into the bank's
database. In 2019, the Nigeria Police Force arrested and charged a man who was
involved in an ATM fraud syndicate that used skimming devices to steal over N20
million from bank customers.
Three, Investment Scams: This type of fraud involves promising investors high
returns on their investments and then disappearing with their money. In one
case, the Nigeria Police Force arrested and charged the operator of a Ponzi
scheme who duped investors of over N11 billion.

Four, Employment Scams: This type of fraud involves promising job seekers
employment opportunities and then extorting money from them. In one case, the
Nigeria Police Force arrested and charged a group of fraudsters who posed as
recruitment agents and collected over N11 million from unsuspecting job seekers.

Five, Cybercrime: This type of fraud involves using the internet to commit fraud,
such as phishing scams, hacking, and identity theft. In one case, the Nigeria Police
Force arrested and charged a man who was involved in a cybercrime syndicate
that used phishing emails to steal personal and financial information from
unsuspecting victims.

These are just a few examples of fraudulent activities in Nigeria that have been
handled by the Nigeria Police Force. It is important to note that fraudulent
activities in Nigeria are widespread, and the Nigeria Police Force is working hard
to combat them.

Summary:

This article examines how forensic linguistics has become a valuable tool for
investigating fraud in Nigeria. The article focuses on the case study of the Nigeria
Police Force, which used forensic linguistics to investigate a case of identity theft
and fraud perpetrated by a group of individuals. The article highlights the
techniques used by forensic linguists to identify linguistic features unique to the
suspects' language use, such as vocabulary choices, grammatical structures, and
patterns of speech. The article also discusses the challenges faced in using
forensic linguistics in Nigeria, including the shortage of trained forensic linguists
and the need for more collaboration between law enforcement agencies and
forensic linguistics experts. Overall, this article shows how forensic linguistics can
provide crucial evidence in cases of financial crime in Nigeria.

In conclusion, forensic linguistics has emerged as a valuable tool for investigating

fraud cases in Nigeria. The case study of the Nigeria Police Force highlights the
potential of this field to provide crucial evidence in cases of financial crime.
However, more needs to be done to ensure that the potential of forensic
linguistics is fully realized in Nigeria, including increasing the number of trained
forensic linguists and enhancing collaboration between law enforcement agencies
and forensic linguistics experts.

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