b.  To protect national and foreign investments in the country.

c.    To imbibe the spirit of hard work in the citizenry and discourage ill-gotten wealth.

d.  To identify illegally acquired wealth and confiscate it.

e.  To build an upright workforce in both public and private sector of the economy.

f.   To contribute to the global war against financial crimes and terrorism financing in Nigeria.

1.2           STATEMENT OF THE PROBLE

In this study, there are certain problems that are related to the application of forensic auditing and the include;

1.  Insufficient skilled manpower for the use of automated tools or software.

2.  Insufficient documented materials for investigating suspects.

3.  Inadequate techniques for obtaining evidence.

4.  High cost of analysis.

1.3             STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

The general objectives of the study, is to examine the role of automated forensic auditing on fraud control, while the specific objectives of the study are as follows.

1.   To determine why there are insufficient skilled manpower needed for operating automated tools.

2.  To investigate the reasons for insufficient documented materials.

3.  To examine the cause of not obtaining enough techniques used as evidence.

4.  To evaluate the reasons for high cost of analysis.

1.4                RESEARCH QUESTION

Based on the foregoing, the following research questions were formulated:

i.    Is there any significant relationship between automated forensic auditing and fraud control?

ii.       Are there methods adopted to adequately train forensic auditors with investigative skills?

iii.   Are these measures employed to solve the problem of insufficient documented materials necessary for investigating suspects?

iv.     Are these standards set for improving on techniques that are meant for obtaining evidence?

1.5                RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

The following are the hypotheses to be tested.

Ho1: There is no significant relationship between automated forensic auditing and fraud control.

HA1: There is a significant relationship between automated forensic auditing and fraud control.

Ho2:   There are no methods adopted to adequately train forensic auditors with investigative skills.

HA2:    There are methods adopted to adequately train forensic auditors with investigative skills.

H03:    There are no measures employed to solve the problem of insufficient documented materials necessary for investigating suspects.

HA3: There are measures employed to solve the problem of insufficient documented materials necessary for investigating suspects.

1.6                           SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study of forensic auditing will be helpful to the following categories of users.

For Management: It will serve as a reference document for management to use as a guide for investigating and controlling fraud.

For Auditors: It will serve as a revision kit for practicing auditors in the field.

For the Public: It will add to existing knowledge by exposing the public on the matter of fraud, making them know that even if fraud cannot be completely eradicated, it can be controlled.

For Researchers/Analyst: It will serve for future research study.

1.7.                           SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study covers the activities of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), in Nigeria, especially the branch that is situated in Port- Harcourt.

1.8.                           LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This research work was faced with certain challenges owing to the fact that the topic in question is not yet widely known. VI2:

i.  Inadequate Materials: This was the major constraint of the research work, for it was limited to few materials and mainly on internet.

ii.   Time Factor: This is another factor that limited the flow of this research work.

Time factor is a constraints limitation the study. Inadequate time to work due to some school activities that restricts student from going out to research.

iii.   Distance: The different location of where the materials are to be gathered from posed a problem to this work, since it requires going from one accounting firm to another to gather facts relating to the topic.

iv.    School Exeat: Here getting permission to sign out of school is a very big problem to the researcher. School exeat sometimes limits us student from gathering enough material for our work.

v.  Fund: This serves as a major constraint to the research work. Enough funds are required in getting materials for this work.

1.9.                           DEFINITION OF TERMS

AUTOMATION: This is the use of control systems and information technology to reduce the need for human work in the production of goods and services.

FORENSIC: Belonging to, used in or suitable to courts of judicature.

FRAUD: Irregularities involving the use of criminal detection to obtain unjust or illegal advantage.

---

---