How to spot ‘yahoo yahoo’ boys – EFCC reveals

Usman Muktar, the Ilorin zonal commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has decried the high rate of cybercrime among youths and enjoined parents and stakeholders to discourage the youths from internet fraud.

Muktar, who disclosed that the agency had witnessed an increasing number of arrests of Nigerian youths in cyber crime in recent times, charged parents to ask their children questions about sources of their wealth.

Addressing newsmen, Muktar said, “When your children, who are in schools stop asking you money for upkeep or driving expensive cars, parents should ask questions.

“Unfortunately, some parents support these youth in internet fraud. They say it’s oyinbo money. How does that turn to be your money?”

Continuing, he said, “Corruption among elected political office holders is also a cause for concern. People should ask questions about projects and quality of work/projects. It would make them sit up.

“Such programmes like TV/radio documentaries, write ups, whistle blowing etc., should be encouraged as we call on media to join in the anti-corruption fight.”

He noted that the task of fighting economic and financial crimes is painstaking and broad-based and should be embraced by the entire society.

“We believe that on our own, we cannot win the war against corruption without a buy-in by the people. This is where the support of the media comes in. We need the media to help sensitise the people on the ills of corruption and economic crimes.”

Muktar stated that the zonal command, which covers Kwara, Ekiti and Kogi states, is engaging relevant stakeholders such as religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and the youths with a view to sensitising them on the inherent dangers of corruption.

“My Command is certainly not going to be a safe haven for cyber criminals,” he added.

The EFCC was established in 2003, partially in response to pressure from the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF), which named Nigeria as one of 23 countries non-cooperative in the international community’s efforts to fight money laundering.