The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised concerns that the growing cases of internet fraud are worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians seeking to travel abroad.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only jeopardise the future of perpetrators but also damage Nigeria’s reputation, making international travel more difficult for law-abiding citizens.
Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, spoke on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. His remarks were contained in a statement released by the commission on Tuesday.
“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. Beyond the economic damage, the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.
He urged young Nigerians to channel their energy into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.
“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 cautioned.
Also speaking at the event, representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) warned against drug abuse and pipeline vandalism, describing them as major threats to Nigerian youths and national security.
The EFCC has intensified its crackdown on cybercrime in recent months. In August, operatives of its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel in Ikorodu, Lagos, seizing vehicles, phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.
Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers, who 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.
