The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says the rise of internet fraud, popularly known as yahoo-yahoo, is one of the main reasons countries are making visa rules tougher for Nigerians.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, warned that online fraud is damaging the future of those involved and spoiling Nigeria’s reputation.
“Beyond the economic damage, the crimes erode Nigeria’s image and subject innocent Nigerians to harsher visa restrictions abroad,” the commission said in a statement.
Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent CSE Coker Oyegunle, spoke at a youth security event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He stressed that cybercrime, money laundering and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions every year, block job opportunities and slow national growth.
The EFCC boss urged young Nigerians to focus on entrepreneurship, agriculture, innovation and the creative sector instead of cybercrime.
“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ 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,” Olukoyede said.
He added that the EFCC will continue to intensify awareness campaigns, enforcement and collaboration with communities to fight cybercrime.
At the same event, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) warned that drug abuse remains one of the biggest threats to Nigerian youths. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.
The EFCC has recently stepped up arrests of suspected online fraudsters. In August, its Lagos office arrested 38 suspects in Ikorodu after days of surveillance, recovering vehicles, phones and suspected narcotics.
In July, the United States reduced the validity of some non-immigrant visas for Nigerians, limiting them to three months and single entry. The affected categories include B1/B2 (business/tourism) and F and J (students and exchange visitors).
Yahoo boys responsible for stricter visa rules on Nigerians – EFCC
