EFCC Urges Students To Use Internet For Innovation, Warns Against Cybercrime

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian students to harness the internet for innovation and productive ventures rather than engaging in cybercrime, warning that the anti-graft agency will continue to prosecute internet fraudsters.

Olukoyede gave the charge through the Acting Director of the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate, Deputy Commander of the EFCC (DCE) Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, while receiving executives of the Niger Delta Students’ Union Government on a courtesy visit to the directorate.

According to him, young Nigerians should channel their creativity into developing digital solutions that address societal and industrial needs instead of using technology for fraudulent activities.

“The internet does not have to be an avenue to impersonate, manipulate or fabricate lies to defraud others. Let the youths begin to use the internet to provide digital solutions to meet the needs of industries, homes and government,” he said.

Olukoyede described Nigerian youths as resourceful, innovative and forward-looking but warned that anyone using the internet for criminal purposes would face the law.

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“We will continue to discharge our responsibility without fear or favour. Internet fraud is a crime, so we will not relent in arresting and prosecuting those found culpable,” he added.

He also urged the students’ union leaders to serve as role models on their campuses and partner with the commission in promoting integrity, accountability and transparency among students.

Responding, the National Secretary of the Niger Delta Students’ Union Government, Comrade Aighomwanhi Mascot, said the visit was aimed at fostering a long-term partnership with the EFCC.

“We are seeking to explore ways to partner with your organisation that will benefit the students and better our society,” Mascot said, adding that the engagement had provided the delegation with a better understanding of the commission’s activities.

In a separate engagement, Olukoyede cautioned members of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON), Edo State Branch, against becoming channels for money laundering.

Speaking through Sa’ad during a courtesy visit by the association’s newly elected executives, the EFCC chairman urged members to obtain certification from the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) and comply fully with anti-money laundering regulations.

“We are trying to protect your business. You must help us to help you. Register and obtain the SCUML certificate, and ensure you report suspicious transactions to the Commission,” he said.

The association’s chairman, Goodluck Imadiyi, said the visit was intended to strengthen collaboration with the EFCC on regulatory compliance in line with the Money Laundering Act.

“We believe that the collaboration will significantly help in ridding Edo State of fraudulent activities in the automobile sector,” he said.

Also, during a meeting with executives of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Eastern Zone, Sa’ad urged travel operators to uphold professionalism, noting that the Benin Zonal Directorate receives numerous petitions relating to visa fraud.

The coordinator of NANTA, Edo State Chapter, Dr. Osaretin Daniel Okpiavbe, said the association sought closer collaboration with the EFCC to prevent fraud and maintain credibility within the travel industry, while commending the commission for its efforts in combating financial crimes.