From all indications, there’s no gainsaying that many Nigerian youths are now being categorized as fraudsters and might become ex-convicts in the near future.
This assertion is according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, who envisaged that 70% of our youth might turn out to be ex-cons.
As evidence to back up this claim, the Commission revealed that there is currently an overwhelming rate of youths indulging in cybercrime, adding that if they continue to move at this pace, societal morals would be lost altogether.
The Zonal Command of the Commission in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday announced the conviction of three cybercriminals with the judgements passed by Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Again, the total number of convictions of internet fraudsters put on record in a single day was thirty-three in the state, which shows that corrupt activities continue to grow at a devastating rate to the nation’s image.
Meanwhile, the Ilorin Zonal Command Commander of the EFCC, Mr Usman Muktar, addressed reporters on the nation’s state, urging them to take time out and sensitize the youths on the consequences of living a life of crime.
He described the media as a crucial partner in preventing Corruption, economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.
He stretched the message to parents and guardians, stressing that the number of arrests the agency carries regularly reflects a lack of home training, charging them to be conscious of their children’s activities.
He lamented that free money from cybercrimes led to the use and sales of hard drugs and drug abuse, saying all hands must be on deck to save the situation.
Muktar added: “Corruption among elected political office holders is also a cause for concern. People should ask questions about projects and the quality of work/projects. It would make them sit up. Such programmes like TV/radio documentaries, write-ups, whistleblowing etc., should be encouraged as we call on media to join in the anti-corruption fight.”
The commander warned fraudsters to desist from engaging in acts of Corruption and steer clear of the three states under his command, saying the “eagle eyes” of the Commission was wide open and ready to catch any corrupt individual, anytime, anywhere.