The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Makurdi Zonal Office said it has arrested 48 Internet fraudsters in the Zone in the last nine months.
The Zonal Head of Operations, Johnson Babalola disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the activities of the commission in the last nine months, in his office in Makurdi.
The Zone covers Benue, Taraba and Plateau states.
The Zonal Head told newsmen that one of the new faces of financial crime is internet fraud, adding that it is a matter of common knowledge that Nigeria has also been in the news for the same reason recently.
He however, stated that between January and September, 2019, the Office has embarked on a vigorous manhunt of fraudsters (‘yahoo yahoo’ boys) and investigation leading to the arrest of 48 suspects.
According to him, “13 out of the 48 suspects, were already in court at various levels of prosecution, while three have been convicted.”
Babalola also recalled that the FBI released a list of fraudsters that are under investigation and expressed regret that substantial number of those on the list are Nigerians.
Babalola said: “We have the list and we are monitoring the names on the list”.
He lamented that “the activities of these fraudsters are capable of eroding credibility of Nigeria and Nigerians and causing problems for the integrity of our business men abroad and also causing problem for the nation.”
He said the commission is in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI and INTERPOL to rid the country of economic and financial crimes.
He also noted that besides launching frontal attacks on fraudsters, the commission has also embarked on sensitisation campaign to NYSC camps, schools and motor parks and other locations within the zone to sensitise the public, especially the youths, on financial crime.
According to the EFCC official, because of the deep rooted damages of financial crime to the nation, the commission is planning to have degree awarding courses where corruption could be imbedded in the curriculum of universities.
“As a nation, the fight against corruption should start from the primary school. Corruption can destroy this country and all these problems; insecurity, kidnapping, armed robbery are all products of corruption. If we catch them young, we will go a long way,” he said.
Benjamin Agesan
