The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised serious concerns about the growing involvement of internet fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo boys, in violent crimes. The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, revealed that these fraudsters are no longer limited to online scams but have expanded their activities to include kidnapping, ritual killings, and arms trafficking.
Olukoyede made this statement on Thursday while hosting the management of The PUNCH at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. He noted that Nigeria lost over $500 million in a single year due to internet fraud, underscoring the need for intensified action against cybercriminals.
“We are doing the work. Last year alone, we had over 11,000 petitions, investigated close to 9,000, and prosecuted nearly 5,000 cases despite our limited manpower. Some people criticise us for going after Yahoo Yahoo boys, but they don’t understand the severity of the crime,” Olukoyede stated.
He warned that internet fraud had taken a darker turn, with criminals engaging in acts of violence to sustain their illegal activities.
“It is no longer just about scamming people. They are now into kidnapping, banditry, and ritual killings. Some of our investigations have uncovered horrifying details, including cases where young female victims were used for rituals. If we don’t act decisively, in the next 10 years, we may not have a generation we can confidently hand over this country to,” he added.
Beyond tackling fraudsters, Olukoyede revealed that the EFCC is also working to clean up its own ranks. He disclosed that 27 staff members had been dismissed over corruption allegations in the past year.
“You cannot be fighting corruption and be corrupt yourself. I have publicly challenged anyone to come forward with evidence that I have collected bribes in my years of service. Integrity is key in this fight, and we must lead by example,” he said.
He further called on the media to support the commission’s work by promoting investigative journalism and reporting on corruption-related issues.
“The media has always been a key player in the anti-corruption fight. In the early 2000s, before the EFCC was established, it was journalists who exposed many financial crimes. We need to return to that era where the media and law enforcement work together to protect the country,” he said.
Michael Nzekwe, the Chief of Staff to the EFCC Chairman, also acknowledged the media’s efforts in raising awareness about corruption and urged for stronger collaboration.
“The media is a critical partner in this fight. The advocacy and awareness you create have helped sustain the anti-corruption movement in Nigeria. We ask for even more understanding in the way our work is reported. The fight against corruption is for the good of all Nigerians, not just the EFCC,” he said.
