The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has urged students across the country to shun cybercrime and other financial offences, warning that involvement in internet fraud could jeopardise their education, future employment, and reputation.
Olukoyede gave the charge on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, when staff and students of New Capital School, Asokoro, Abuja, visited the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
The EFCC Chairman, who was represented by the Head of the Public Interface Unit of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Tony Ojelimafe Orilade, said the Commission was committed to fighting economic and financial crimes to protect the future of young Nigerians.
According to him, the EFCC was established in 2003 to combat economic and financial crimes and prevent the activities of offenders from undermining the country’s development.
Olukoyede said, “The reason why we are fighting these economic and financial crimes is so that there will be a future for you and the generations yet unborn. If we do not fight these crimes, when you grow up, there will be nothing to be proud of as a Nigerian.”
The EFCC Boss explained that the diversion and misappropriation of public resources could deprive citizens of access to quality education, healthcare and employment opportunities.
He said the Commission was working to ensure that young Nigerians could complete their education and find opportunities to build their lives in the country rather than being compelled to seek greener pastures abroad.
Olukoyede stated, “We are doing everything we need to do to make sure that home is home, so that when you finish your education, there will be jobs for you to do here in Nigeria.
“When you are ready to go to the hospital, there will be medical attention for you in our Nigerian hospitals. When you are ready to further your education, there will be good quality education for you to enjoy here in Nigeria.”
He urged the students to recognise their roles in the fight against financial crimes, stressing that young people must avoid activities capable of damaging their names and those of their families.
He warned students against engaging in internet fraud, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo’, saying that conviction could have lasting consequences for their education, employment prospects and international travel.
The EFCC Boss warned, “Run away from internet fraud. It is not something to think of.”
In her remarks, the Head of the Commission’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, said the Commission welcomes students and other stakeholders interested in learning about its activities as part of its preventive mandate.
Mohammed explained that the EFCC’s mandate comprised prevention, investigation and prosecution, urging the students to heed its warnings against criminal activities.
She also encouraged students to join Integrity Clubs in their schools, explaining that the initiative provided opportunities for young people to participate in anti-corruption activities and public enlightenment programmes.
Earlier, a Detective with the EFCC’s Cybercrime Unit in the Investigation Department, Eniola Kayode, delivered a lecture titled “The Effects of Cybercrimes,” during which she educated the students on online fraud, hacking, impersonation and other internet-related offences.
Kayode identified financial losses, emotional distress, legal consequences, damage to personal futures and loss of public trust as some of the effects of cybercrime.
She said, “Cybercrime affects not only the individuals directly involved but also their families, legitimate businesses and the country’s international reputation.”
She urged them to report suspicious activities, threats and attempts to obtain their personal information to their parents, teachers or guardians.
Kayode stressed the importance of seeking help whenever anyone threatened or intimidated them online, urging them not to keep such incidents secret.
