The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised fresh concerns over the impact of cybercrime on Nigeria’s global reputation, warning that the rising cases of internet fraud are worsening visa restrictions for innocent citizens.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only destroy the future of perpetrators but also tarnish the country’s image abroad, resulting in stricter travel conditions for law-abiding Nigerians.
Olukoyede, who was represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, made the remarks on Monday during an event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. His comments were contained in a statement issued by the commission on Tuesday.
“The EFCC boss highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities. Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.
Olukoyede urged youths in the South-South and across the country to channel their creativity into productive sectors such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.
“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today,” he warned.
Also speaking at the event, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mathew Ewah, described drug abuse as one of the gravest threats confronting Nigerian youths. Similarly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South region.
The EFCC has recently intensified its crackdown on cybercrime. In August, operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, Lagos, after days of surveillance. Items recovered included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.
In a related development, the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers, on fraud-related offences. They were sentenced by Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court after pleading guilty to charges bordering on advance fee fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds of crime.
Olukoyede reaffirmed that the commission would intensify sensitisation, enforcement, and collaboration with communities to combat internet fraud and other related crimes.
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