The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has accused internet fraudsters popularly called Yahoo boys of worsening visa restrictions against innocent Nigerians abroad. Chairman of the antigraft agency, Ola Olukoyede, explained that fraudulent practices not only destroy the future of those involved in it, but also tarnish the image of the country on international stage, resulting in stricter travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.
Olukoyede, was speaking through a Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, stated this yesterday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.
His statement was contained in a statement release by the commission yesterday
“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.
The statement added, “Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad.”
He called on the youth, especially those in the South-South and across the country to channel their energy into meaningful productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.
He was quoted as saying, “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.”
Olukoyede reiterated the commitment of the commission to intensify sensitisation, enforcement and collaboration with communities to combat fraud and related crimes.
Also speaking at the event, was a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NAFDAC, Mathew Ewah, who warned that drug abuse remained one of the most dangerous threats facing Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.
The EFCC has recently intensified its clampdown on cybercrime across the country especially in the southern part of the country.
In August, operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, Lagos, following days of surveillance.
Items recovered from the suspects included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.
Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers, for fraud-related offences.
The suspects were sentenced by Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court after pleading guilty to charges bordering on advance fee fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds of crime.