The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace integrity and reject internet fraud, warning that illicit wealth comes with severe legal and personal consequences.
Olukoyede gave the charge on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 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 conference focused on tackling social vices among young people.
Represented by Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, James Adayilo Hosea, the EFCC chairman delivered a lecture titled “Internet Fraud: Dangers, Consequences and Godly Alternative.”
He described internet fraud as the use of the internet, computers, mobile phones or social media platforms to deceive people for financial gain, stressing that such crimes threaten the future of those involved.
According to him, common forms of cybercrime include fake online investment schemes, romance scams, identity theft, social media impersonation, online shopping scams, cryptocurrency fraud, fake giveaways and fraudulent job offers.
Olukoyede warned that internet fraud often leads to arrest, prosecution, conviction, imprisonment and the forfeiture of illegally acquired assets.
“The dangers include arrest, prosecution, conviction, imprisonment and possibly asset forfeiture. All you have laboured for will be taken away,” he said.
The EFCC chairman identified peer pressure and the desire for quick wealth as major factors driving many young people into cybercrime.
“Many young people want quick results without process. They want a car before career; comfortable lifestyle before they labour. They want rewards before work. Unfortunately, life does not work that way. Success without process rarely lasts. Peer pressure also leads some into committing internet crimes,” he said.
Calling on young Christians to distinguish themselves through honesty and integrity, Olukoyede urged them to use their talents and technology for productive ventures rather than 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 added, “God created every young person with gifts, talents, and potential. Instead of using technology to scam people, use it to create value and be responsible citizens by learning useful skills and contributing meaningfully to the growth of the economy.”
Olukoyede further advised youths to choose their friends carefully, avoid get-rich-quick schemes, develop marketable skills, seek mentors with integrity, maintain a consistent prayer life, study God’s Word, create personal development plans, focus on long-term success and deploy technology for innovation rather than exploitation.
