YAHOO BOYS WORSENING VISA RESTRICTIONS FOR NIGERIANS – EFCC
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By Shodayo Sunmisola Michael
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has cautioned that the increasing instances of online fraud are aggravating visa limitations for innocent Nigerians abroad.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, stated that fraudulent activities not only jeopardize the future of those engaged but also damage Nigeria’s global reputation, leading to more stringent travel regulations for law-abiding citizens.
Olukoyede, represented by the Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, delivered this message on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.
His remarks were included 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, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.
He encouraged youth in the South-South region and throughout the nation to direct their vigor towards constructive pursuits such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative sector.
He was cited as expressing, “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 reiterated the commission’s commitment to enhancing awareness, enforcement, and collaboration with communities to combat fraud and associated offenses.
Additionally, a representative from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mathew Ewah, warned that drug abuse continues to be one of the most perilous threats confronting Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South region.
The EFCC has recently ramped up its crackdown on cybercrime throughout the nation.
In August, operatives from the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 apprehended 38 alleged internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, Lagos, following several days of surveillance.
Items confiscated from the suspects included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances believed to be narcotics.
Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC achieved the conviction of 12 individuals, including two brothers, for fraud-related offenses.
They were sentenced by Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court after admitting guilt to charges concerning advance fee fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds from criminal activities.
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