LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR COMBATING CYBERCRIME AS A TOOL IN FACILITATING KIDNAPPING IN NIGERIA

The study investigated the multifaceted nature of cybercrime, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive definitional frameworks that integrate psychological, economic, and environmental perspectives. It discussed the intricate relationship between human criminal intent and autonomous technological systems, particularly in the context of AI-powered attacks and their implications for traditional legal concepts of intent and responsibility. The research highlighted the psychological dimensions of cybercriminal behavior, revealing how individual traits, social influences, and technological opportunities shape digital offending. Additionally, it examined the economic structures underpinning cybercrime, including the market for stolen data and criminal services, which inform decision-making processes. The paper also addressed cultural variations in cybercrime manifestations, particularly in the West African context, and advocated for victim centered approaches that acknowledge the human cost of digital criminality. By considering these diverse factors, the study contributed to the development of contextually, appropriate definitions and effective prevention strategies that can adapt to the evolving landscape of cybercrime, ultimately enhancing legal frameworks and societal responses to this pressing issue.