Forensic psychophysiology and behavioural corruption risk profiling: an integrated framework for strengthening anti-corruption investigative architecture in Nigeria

Financial crime, corruption, and illicit financial flows continue to pose significant challenges to institutional integrity, economic development, and effective governance, especially in nations facing elevated financial and governance risks. Corruption drains trillions of dollars from the global economy each year through the loss and misuse of public resources, weakened institutions, and diminished public trust. Nigeria has made significant progress in strengthening its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism framework, with reforms recognised by the Financial Action Task Force. Nevertheless, enforcement remains challenging, as sophisticated offenders often manage to hide their activities, exploit institutional weaknesses, and wield influence to obstruct investigations. The study examines forensic psychophysiology, particularly the use of structured and legally regulated polygraph examinations, as a potential tool to support investigations into corruption and financial crimes. Using a qualitative comparative case-study design, supported by a methodological matrix and a review of relevant literature published between 2020 and 2026, the study identifies consistent behavioural patterns associated with concealment, manipulation, and corruption risk. The analysis indicates that behavioural warning signs may sometimes be detected before complete financial evidence is available, highlighting the potential benefit of integrating behavioural intelligence into existing investigative procedures. Building on these findings, the study proposes a five-stage Behavioural Corruption Risk Profiling and Polygraph Verification (BCRP-PV) model that could enhance existing mechanisms for sensitive public appointments, procurement oversight, corruption and financial-crime investigations, plea-bargain evaluations, and anti-money laundering & counter terrorist financing risk-based supervision. The study concludes that carefully regulated behavioural intelligence can complement Nigeria's current financial and investigative capabilities and potentially support a gradual shift from predominantly reactive corruption enforcement to earlier, preventive, and intelligence-led detection, provided its application is supported by robust scientific validation, legal safeguards, and respect for human rights.