…Warns NYSC members against internet fraud, urges anti-corruption crusade

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has appealed to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across the country to take proactive roles in the campaign against corruption, rather than becoming casualties of it.

Speaking on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, during engagements with Batch A Stream II corps members at orientation camps nationwide, Olukoyede challenged Nigerian youths to become “foot soldiers, brigade commanders and generals” in the anti-corruption crusade, both within their communities and future workplaces.

In a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the Commission warned that involvement in fraudulent or cyber-related crimes could have lifelong consequences.

“An ex-convict is disqualified from holding public office, obtaining international visas, or being entrusted with any reputable responsibility,” Olukoyede noted. “Young Nigerians must steer clear of actions that could permanently damage their future and disqualify them from leadership roles.”

His message was delivered through senior EFCC officers assigned to various orientation camps across the country.

At the Bayelsa camp in Kaiama, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC II, Cynthia Chiamaka Okoye, relayed the Chairman’s appeal for corps members to become whistleblowers and report illicit financial activity through the EFCC’s Eagle Eye App.

“Expose fraudsters around you. Use the Eagle Eye App if you have credible information. Don’t keep quiet. Join the fight,” Okoye told the gathering.

In Kwara State, Superintendent SE Gbenga Adewoye, representing the Commission at the Yikpata camp in Edu Local Government Area, described corruption as a direct attack on Nigeria’s future.

“When you see something, say something. The EFCC will respond,” he assured.

At the Okada camp in Edo State, ACE I Williams Oseghale, speaking on behalf of Olukoyede, decried the increasing number of young Nigerians involved in internet fraud, describing the trend as both alarming and detrimental.

“Corps members are the future leaders of this country. The service year should not be a time for apathy, but for leadership. This is your opportunity to drive change, not chase shortcuts,” he said.

He added that cybercrime and financial misconduct continue to tarnish Nigeria’s global reputation and hinder national development.

Similarly, at the NYSC orientation camp in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Assistant Commander Adaora Asabe Oragudosi implored corps members to speak out against corruption.

“Corruption cannot be ignored. It must be confronted. You are the generation that must act. The future depends on what you do today,” she stated.

The EFCC reiterated its commitment to enlisting the energy and influence of Nigerian youth in reshaping societal values and strengthening the fight against financial crimes.