Design and Implementation of an Online Whistle-Blower Reporting System to Combat Public Property Vandalism in Lagos State

Abstract

Public property vandalism presents a growing challenge in Lagos State, with existing whistle-blowing mechanisms often constrained by inadequate anonymity, weak feedback mechanisms, and limited citizen trust. This study presents the design and implementation of an Online Whistle-Blower Reporting System aimed at addressing these gaps. The system was developed using the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) and informed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and trust-based privacy principles. It was implemented using the MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js) stack and deployed on AWS cloud infrastructure. Key features include anonymous and confidential reporting, multimedia evidence submission, password-protected case tracking, and role-based dashboards for administrators and relevant agencies. The system was evaluated through functional testing, usability assessment, performance testing, and penetration testing, with results indicating a 93.3% functional pass rate, a 90% task completion rate for usability, and average response times of under two seconds. The system also demonstrated resilience against common vulnerabilities based on assessments using OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite. Comparative analysis with existing whistle-blowing platforms in Nigeria suggests improvements in usability, accessibility, and reporting transparency. While the system was evaluated in a controlled environment, the findings indicate its potential to support more effective reporting mechanisms and contribute to civic engagement in Lagos State.