EFCC says widespread internet fraud is damaging Nigeria’s image and contributing to stricter foreign visa restrictions for innocent citizens.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned that rampant internet fraud, popularly called “yahoo-yahoo,” is prompting tougher visa restrictions for law-abiding Nigerians. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent CSE Coker Oyegunle, issued the warning Monday at a youth security forum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a statement released Tuesday, the agency said cybercrime undermines Nigeria’s global reputation and costs the economy billions of naira annually, depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities. “Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go,” Olukoyede cautioned, stressing that perpetrators often lose their freedom, reputation, and future.
He urged youths to embrace digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry instead of financial crimes. The EFCC pledged intensified public sensitisation and enforcement to curb cybercrime.
The warning follows the United States’ July decision to shorten validity and limit entries for certain non-immigrant visas to Nigeria, including B1/B2, F, and J categories.