The Roles of Auditors in Fraud Detection and Prevention in Nigeria Deposit Money Banks: Evidence from Southwest

Abstract

This study examined the impact of auditors captured by risk assessment, system audit and verification of financial report on banking fraud control in Southwest Nigeria. The study employed survey design in which a set of questionnaire was administered on the selected banks in Southwest Nigeria. Multiple regression technique and ANOVA were used for the analysis. The results indicated that the level of fraud control in Nigerian banks during the period covered was low; the result revealed that risk assessment management, system audit and verification of financial reports adopted by the banking industry in Southwest Nigeria limit the fraudulent activities among the Nigerian banks by 35, 13 and 18 percent respectively; the results also showed that audit roles captured by risk assessment, system audit and verification of financial reports were statistically significant in determining the fraudulent act in banking industry in Nigeria as revealed by (Tcal 4.446, 2.251 and 3.708 ˃ Ttab (141) = 1.684). Based on the findings, the study concluded that risk assessment, system audit and financial report verifications are carried out to determine the effectiveness and impact of auditors on fraud control in Nigerian banks which reveals that auditors’ roles need to be improved to enhance fraud control in banking industry. The study recommended that auditors should increase the scope of their activities on the efficiency of banks internal control system, risk assessment and system audit as this will enhance the detection of fraudulent activities. Also, management of banks should ensure strict compliance with their respective internal control system.