EFCC Laments Increasing Involvement Of Nigerian Students In Cybercrime, ‘Secures 3,175 Convictions, Recovers N156Billion In One Year’
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed its efforts in combating economic and financial crimes in Nigeria over the past year. According to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the agency secured 3,175 convictions and recovered a total of N156 billion looted public funds during the specified period. This announcement was made during the launch of the Zero Tolerance Club at the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Olukoyede disclosed that the EFCC also recovered various sums in different currencies, including dollars, pounds, euros, Indian rupees, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, yen, South African rand, UAE dirhams, Saudi riyals, and cryptocurrency. Despite the commendable performance of the EFCC, Olukoyede expressed concerns about the increasing involvement of young people, including students, in cybercrime, commonly referred to as ‘yahoo-yahoo’. He highlighted the arrest of hundreds of suspects monthly, many of whom end up in jail.
Olukoyede emphasized the serious consequences of involvement in cybercrime, stating that conviction for fraud leaves a lifelong scar on the fortunes of these youths. He urged students to steer clear of internet fraud, stressing that there is no justification for engaging in such criminal activities. Olukoyede dismissed the notion that fraudsters are creative or smart, urging students to channel their energies into productive endeavors rather than cheating others of their resources.
The EFCC’s efforts reflect the ongoing battle against cybercrime in Nigeria, with the agency securing convictions and recovering significant sums of money. However, the increasing involvement of young people in cybercrime remains a pressing concern, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures to combat this scourge.
SaharaReporters
