The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has decried the high rate of cybercrime among Nigerian youths.
According to the anti-graft agency, more than 70 per cent of youths would become ex-convicts in years to come if nothing is done to stem the negative trajectory.
The Ilorin zonal commander of the EFCC, Mr. Usman Muktar, stated this while speaking with journalists on the state of the nation. The commander noted that the commission has arrested several youths allegedly involved in cybercrime while scores have also been convicted.
Muktar disclosed that the Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting Port Harcourt, Rivers State, convicted three youths of cybercrime-related offences, adding that the Benin Zonal Command of the anti-graft agency had secured a total number of 33 internet fraud convictions within 24 hours.
The convicted internet fraudsters were arraigned separately on one count charge bordering on impersonation and obtaining by false pretences.
Their names are Okei Morrison Onome, Ejiro Nwaju, Oki Alex Efe, Omoghene Gift, Collins Odinaka, Onyue Martins Ifeanyi, Azubuike Christian, Achiever Effiong, Adeniyi Michael Femi, Eze John Paul, Akinayomide James, Adejube Isaac Oluwadunsin, Isaac Phillip, Ibrahim Olalekan Olagoke and Paul Obinna Thomas.
Others are Damilola Michael, Umoru Mosuru, Dotun Ogunboye Olaleye, Adekunle Joshua, Elliot Igunbor, Ezomo Junior, David Oluwatobi, Ereoman Emmanuel, Oyetunde Victor Temitope, Nurudeen Abiodun Imole and Adeboye Victor.
Speaking further, the zonal commander urged every stakeholder in the country to join the commission in discouraging the youths from internet fraud.
In his words, “When your children, who are in schools stopped asking you for money for upkeep or driving expensive cars, parents should ask questions. Unfortunately, some parents support these youth in internet fraud. They say it’s oyinbo money. How does that turn to be your money?”, he asked.
“Corruption among elected political office holders is also a cause for concern. People should ask questions about projects and quality of work/projects. It would make them sit up. Such programmes like TV/radio documentaries, write ups, whistle blowing etc should be encouraged as we call on media to join in the anti-corruption fight.”
The commander also called on the media to embrace its responsibilities in combating corruption in the country.
“The task of fighting economic and financial crimes is painstaking and broad-based and should be embraced by all strata of the society with the media serving as channel of communication and enlightenment.
“Commission depends greatly on the media to achieve success in the anti-graft campaign, especially, as it affects the prevention mandate, which is hinged on Section 6 of the EFCC Establishment Act.
“Without a doubt, the media is a critical stakeholder in the anti-graft war. With your pen, you could make or mar the fight against corruption. The media’s potential to inform and educate the people is crucial for us.
“We believe that on our own, we cannot win the war against corruption without a buy-in by the people. This is where the support of the media comes in. We need the media to help sensitise the people on the ills of corruption and economic crimes,” he added.
