Statistical Inference and Forensic Accounting: Investigating the Operations of Six Nigerian Firms

By: Ogbonnaya Nweze Eze

Pages: 41–61, Volume: 3, Number: 1

Published by: AEFUNAI Journal of Economics, Finance and Development Studies, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, 2/1/2026, 2026

ISSN (Electronic): 2536-6742

DOI:

Statistical Inference and Forensic Accounting: Investigating the Operations of Six Nigerian Firms

Abstract:

This study examined the effectiveness of applying statistical analysis and inference to support forensic accounting techniques in investigating financial and operational deficiencies in six Nigerian Firms across six zones. Using data collected from the firms in 104 weeks of operations and 60 customer records, the study compared the expected input with the reported yield and analyzed customer-specific variables in relation to periodic patronage to determine longevity factors. The research employed one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), ordinary least squares (OLS), and logistic (LOGIT) regression analyses to validate the data. The findings showed that while forensic accounting techniques are effective in detecting financial and operational anomalies, integrating robust statistical inference enhances the precision of fraud detection and identifies longevity factors among customers.

Keywords: Forensic accounting, Statistical inference, Fraud detection, Audit quality, Financial reporting