The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to shun internet fraud and embrace integrity, warning that involvement in cybercrime could destroy their future.
Olukoyede gave the advice on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, while addressing youths and teenagers at a conference organised by the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Rivers State Chapter, at the Port Harcourt Ecumenical Centre.
Speaking through a Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, James Adayilo Hosea, on the theme, “Internet Fraud Dangers, Consequences and Godly Alternative,” the EFCC chairman explained that internet fraud involves using digital platforms, computers, mobile devices and social media to deceive people for financial gain.
He identified fake online investments, romance scams, identity theft, social media impersonation, online shopping scams, cryptocurrency fraud, fake giveaways and fraudulent job offers among common forms of internet crime.
According to Olukoyede, the consequences of cybercrime include arrest, prosecution, conviction, imprisonment and forfeiture of assets.
“All you have laboured for will be taken away,” he warned.
The EFCC chairman identified peer pressure and the desire for quick wealth as major factors driving young people into internet fraud.
“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.
Olukoyede urged the youths, particularly those of Christian faith, to uphold integrity and use their talents positively.
“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 encouraged young Nigerians to turn technology into a tool for legitimate economic opportunities rather than using it to defraud others.
“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,” he added.
The EFCC boss also advised the youths to choose their friends carefully, avoid get-rich-quick schemes, develop marketable skills, seek mentors with integrity, maintain their spiritual lives and create personal development plans.
He further urged them to prioritise sustainable, long-term success over instant gratification and use digital technology to build legitimate opportunities.
