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Olukoyede warns that internet fraud offers only temporary riches but often ends in arrest, prosecution, imprisonment and the forfeiture of illegally acquired assets, destroying the future of young offenders.
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The EFCC chairman identifies peer pressure and the obsession with instant wealth as the major drivers of cybercrime, urging youths to reject the culture of “quick money” and embrace hard work.
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He challenges young Nigerians to redirect their digital skills towards innovation, entrepreneurship and other legitimate ventures capable of creating value and boosting the nation’s economy.
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Speaking at a youth conference in Port Harcourt, Olukoyede outlines practical steps for building a successful life through integrity, marketable skills, mentorship, spiritual growth and long-term planning.
August 13, (THEWILL) — The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has warned Nigerian youths against embracing internet fraud, declaring that the pursuit of illicit wealth through cybercrime inevitably ends in disgrace, prosecution and the destruction of promising futures.
Olukoyede delivered the warning on Tuesday while addressing youths and teenagers at a conference organised by the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Rivers State Chapter, at the Port Harcourt Ecumenical Centre. The event focused on addressing social vices and promoting responsible living among young people.
Represented by Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, James Adayilo Hosea, the anti-graft agency boss spoke on the theme, “Internet Fraud: Dangers, Consequences and Godly Alternative”, where he urged participants to reject criminality and embrace integrity.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the anti-graft agency, Olukoyede described internet fraud as the use of digital platforms, including the internet, computers, mobile phones and social media, to deceive unsuspecting victims for financial gain.
He listed common cyber offences to include fake online investment schemes, romance scams, identity theft, social media impersonation, online shopping scams, cryptocurrency fraud, fake giveaways and fraudulent job offers.
The EFCC boss cautioned that while internet fraud may appear lucrative, it exposes offenders to severe legal consequences.
“The dangers include arrest, prosecution, conviction, imprisonment and possible forfeiture of assets. Everything acquired through criminal activities can be taken away”, he warned.
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Olukoyede identified peer pressure and the growing desire among many youths to become wealthy without legitimate effort as the major factors fueling internet fraud across the country.
“Many young people want quick results without process. They want a car before building a career and a comfortable lifestyle before labouring for it. They want rewards before work. Unfortunately, life does not work that way. Success without process rarely lasts”, he said, urging young Nigerians to reject the culture of “get-rich-quick” and instead channel their talents into productive and lawful ventures.
Addressing the participants from a Christian perspective, he said every young person was created with unique gifts and a purpose that should not be wasted on criminal activities.
“God created every young person with unique gifts, talents and a purpose. He did not create us to live by deception or dishonesty but to be lights in our generation”, he said.
He encouraged the youths to leverage technology for innovation, entrepreneurship and other legitimate businesses capable of creating value, generating employment and contributing to national development.
The EFCC chairman further advised participants to choose friends carefully, avoid fraudulent schemes, acquire marketable skills, seek mentors with proven integrity, remain committed to prayer and the study of God’s Word, develop personal growth plans and pursue sustainable success rather than instant gratification.
He stressed that the anti-graft agency would continue to combine enforcement with sustained public enlightenment to discourage cybercrime and promote ethical values among young Nigerians.
According to him, Nigeria’s future depends largely on a generation that values honesty, diligence and innovation over criminal shortcuts, adding that integrity remains the surest foundation for lasting success
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