The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns over the growing criminal activities linked to internet fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo boys.
He revealed that beyond online scams, many of them are now involved in more serious crimes such as kidnapping, ritual killings, and arms trafficking.
Olukoyede shared this during a meeting with The PUNCH management at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
He disclosed that Nigeria lost over $500 million to internet fraud in one year.
Despite criticisms, he defended the agency’s intensified crackdown, noting that fraudsters have expanded their operations into violent crimes.
He also highlighted the EFCC’s efforts to clean up its ranks, stating that 27 commission staff members were dismissed in the past year over corruption allegations.
According to him, integrity is essential in the fight against financial crimes, and law enforcement officers must lead by example.
Olukoyede urged the media to support the anti-corruption fight by promoting investigative journalism.
He emphasized that before the EFCC was established, journalists played a major role in exposing financial crimes, and such collaboration should continue.
The EFCC’s Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, also commended the media for its role in raising awareness and called for more cooperation in ensuring that corruption is tackled effectively.
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