The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) “has warned that the rising cases of internet fraud are worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.”
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the statement on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, explaining that fraudulent practices not only harm those involved but also “tarnish Nigeria’s international image, resulting in stricter travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.”
His statement was contained in a release issued by the commission on Tuesday.
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The statement noted that internet fraud and other economic crimes “cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities.”
It also pointed out that “Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad.”
Olukoyede urged young people to channel their energy into productive ventures. 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.”
He also reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to “intensify sensitisation, enforcement and collaboration with communities to combat fraud.”
Also at the event, a representative from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) warned that drug abuse is a significant threat to Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) cautioned against pipeline vandalism.
The EFCC has recently “intensified its clampdown on cybercrime across the country.”
In August, operatives in Lagos “arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters,” while the Benin Zonal Directorate “secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers,” for offenses including “advanced fee fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds of crime.”
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