The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned that the rising trend of internet fraud is worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only destroy the future of perpetrators but also tarnish Nigeria’s international image, thereby subjecting law-abiding citizens to stricter travel conditions.
Olukoyede, represented by CSE Coker Oyegunle, delivered the warning on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. The commission released details of his remarks on Tuesday.
He noted that internet fraud, money laundering, and other forms of economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of essential infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities.
“Beyond the economic damage, these crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Urging youths across the South-South and the country to channel their energy into digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry, Olukoyede cautioned against the deceptive allure of fraud.
“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,” he said.
The EFCC chairman also pledged that the commission would intensify sensitisation, enforcement, and community collaboration in the fight against internet fraud.
Other agencies at the event echoed similar warnings. A representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mathew Ewah, described drug abuse as one of the most dangerous threats facing Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South region.
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