EFCC Chairman Laments Growing: The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has voiced concern over the growing involvement of youths—particularly young men—in internet fraud, warning that the trend is jeopardizing their future and adversely affecting their mental health.
Olukoyede raised this concern on Friday, March 16, 2025, at an event commemorating the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child, held at the National Merit Award House in Abuja.
“Cybercrime has become a pervasive threat with far-reaching implications. Young people, especially boys, are susceptible to its appeal, often driven by the lure of financial gain, peer influence, or the pursuit of excitement. The criminal aspect of cybercrime and the global condemnation it attracts call for urgent and collective action,” he said.
Represented by ACE II Aisha Mohammed, Head of the Commission’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Olukoyede described cybercrime as an escalating danger that must be tackled swiftly. He emphasized the toll it takes on young people’s mental health, including increased risks of anxiety, depression, fear of prosecution, and long-term psychological trauma.
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“The mind can either be a gold field or a furnace—a gold field when healthy, and a furnace when damaged. Cybercrime tends to distract and destroy the lives of our young boys,” he warned.
To counter this, Olukoyede announced the establishment of a Cybercrime Research Centre by the EFCC. The centre aims to provide youths with avenues to engage in innovation, develop digital literacy, and practice ethical behavior.
“The EFCC is confident that there are better alternatives to cybercrime. Crime is not the path to a successful future. We urge young people to make wise decisions, avoid the path of least resistance, and embrace values that lead to meaningful success,” he added.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), General Buba Marwa (rtd), represented by Assistant Commander General Mohammed Bashar, encouraged youths to resist unethical influences and cultivate resilience.
“There is no shortcut to success. Avoid friends who encourage drug use. Face your challenges with courage and determination,” he advised.
He also called on parents to invest equally in raising male children, as they do with female children.
“Do not leave parenting solely to teachers. Support your children, guide them, and build friendships with them,” he urged.
Justice Mainasara Umar Kogo, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, echoed similar sentiments. He called on parents to instill moral values in their children and shield them from negative societal influences.
“Train your children to think positively so they are not misled into becoming criminals. Government must also ensure that education is a right accessible to every child, not a privilege,” he concluded.
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