The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to take a frontline role in tackling internet fraud by spreading anti-graft messages across tertiary institutions.
The EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, gave the charge on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by a NANS delegation to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Commander of the EFCC, CE Michael Nzekwe, Olukoyede expressed concern over the damaging effects of cybercrime on Nigeria’s global image.
“The EFCC cannot do the work alone, we need Nigerians and every stakeholder. As students’ representatives, you are our partners in taming the menace of cybercrime on campuses, you can be our whistleblowers,” Nzekwe said.
He warned that cybercriminals are increasingly being used to launder funds for politically exposed persons, stressing the urgent need for collective action.
“The trend now is to use cybercriminals to launder money for politically exposed persons, let’s look at how to expose these people. We had a Cybercrime Summit where the Executive Chairman expressed serious concerns about cybercrime and how it has affected our national reputation. We can’t sit back and watch this ugly trend continue,” he added.
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The EFCC urged NANS to develop sustainable strategies to mobilize students against fraud and reinforce the anti-graft fight nationwide.
Earlier, former NANS National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Bestman Okereafor, commended Olukoyede’s leadership, describing him as “a transformative leader and exceptional fighter of corruption in Nigeria.”
“We have always stood with the Commission, we will continue to stand with you. We commend the level of professionalism and open-door operation that you have brought to the system. As partners in progress, we believe we must always come out to speak and support what you are doing because we will never be a party to mischievous propagandas, injustice and wrongdoings. We are available to collaborate with you in fighting cybercrime,” Okereafor said.
The meeting further reinforced the EFCC’s commitment to fostering youth partnerships in combating cybercrime, which continues to pose a threat to Nigeria’s economy and reputation.