Dare Babalola
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that internet fraud is worsening visa restrictions for law-abiding Nigerians traveling abroad.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Commission on Tuesday.
In the statement, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, called on youths in the South-South region to resist the lure of internet fraud and other financial crimes, describing fraud as a deadly trap that destroys lives and futures.
Olukoyede, who was represented by the Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, gave the charge on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.
According to the EFCC boss, “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 these crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad.”
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 reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to intensify sensitisation, enforcement and collaboration with communities to combat fraud and related crimes.
