Authors : Emmanuel Eneche Onoja; Elijah Adown

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yc8p6hne

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/u9kdukvc

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May804

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This study investigates effect of forensic accountant lifestyles analysis on financial fraud detection in Nigeria Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAS). Using a quantitative survey design. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 137 personnel from key MDAs, including forensic auditors, compliance officers, and internal control officers. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analysis, and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that discrepancies in property ownership records and recurring discretionary expenses significantly impact the detection of financial fraud within MDAs. Property ownership records were found to play a crucial role in identifying financial irregularities, supporting previous research that emphasizes the importance of accurate asset documentation. Similarly, the study found that the lack of proper scrutiny of recurring and discretionary expenses increases the likelihood of fraud. The regression analysis showed that both variables positively influenced the dependent variable, with a strong explanatory power of 77.7%. These results align with existing literature on the role of internal audits, property records, and expense monitoring in combating financial mismanagement. However, some studies suggested that broader institutional reforms and a combination of various fraud detection mechanisms may be more effective than focusing on specific financial indicators. The study concludes by recommending stronger internal audit mechanisms and enhanced training for MDAs to improve financial accountability and reduce the risk of fraud.

Keywords : Forensic Accountant Lifestyles Analysis, Fraud Detection.

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