"Cybercrime is Destroying Our Youths": EFCC Boss Speaks Out at International Day of the Boy Child Event

 

In a powerful and deeply concerning message to the nation, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has sounded the alarm over the growing involvement of Nigerian youths—especially young men—in internet fraud, popularly known as "Yahoo Yahoo". Speaking at an event marking the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child, Mr. Olukoyede made it clear that this dangerous trend is not only threatening the future of young Nigerians but also silently damaging their mental health.

The event took place on Friday, March 16, 2025, at the National Merit Award House in Abuja. It brought together various stakeholders, including leaders from other key government agencies, to discuss the challenges facing the Nigerian boy child and what can be done to provide them with a more secure and purposeful path in life.

Mr. Olukoyede’s remarks were delivered on his behalf by Aisha Mohammed, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC and Head of the Commission’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit. She emphasized the urgent need to tackle the rise in cybercrime head-on.

“Cybercrime has become a pervasive threat, with far-reaching consequences. Young people, particularly boys, are vulnerable to its allure, often driven by financial gain, peer pressure, or a desire for excitement. The criminal dimension to cybercrime and the global resentment and outrage over its effects on humanity demand that we all rise up to treat it as a problem needing urgent solutions,” he said.

This quote reflects the painful truth many parents and guardians in Nigeria are beginning to face: that a large number of young men are being lured into online fraud by the promise of fast money, designer clothes, luxury cars, and fame. But what is often not seen is the toll this lifestyle takes on their mental health.

Mr. Olukoyede didn’t mince words in describing the hidden effects of internet fraud. Beyond the risk of arrest and public shame, many of these young men suffer from anxiety, fear, depression, and even long-term psychological trauma. They live in constant fear of being caught, are unable to build real relationships, and eventually become disconnected from the values that lead to meaningful success.

“The mind is either a gold field or a furnace; gold field if it is healthy and furnace if it is unhealthy. Cybercrime has a tendency of distractions and destruction to our young boys,” he said.

In light of this growing concern, Mr. Olukoyede revealed that the EFCC is taking proactive steps to give Nigerian youths a way out. One of the key measures the Commission is putting in place is the establishment of a Cybercrime Research Centre. This center, he explained, will serve as a platform for young people to explore technology in positive ways—focusing on digital literacy, innovation, ethical conduct, and creating opportunities that will lead them away from crime and towards legitimate success.

“The EFCC believes that there are alternatives to cybercrime and that criminal routes are not positive routes to a good future. We urge young people to make informed choices, reject the line of least resistance, and embrace values that lead to meaningful success,” he added.

The message was echoed by other dignitaries at the event, including the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), General Buba Marwa (rtd), who was represented by Assistant Commander General Mohammed Bashar. He spoke on the importance of resilience and self-control in the face of negative peer influence and urged youths not to be swayed by the fake lifestyles being glorified on social media.

“There is no easy way to success. Do not listen to friends who try to lure you into drugs. Face your challenges and overcome them with courage and determination,” he said.

General Marwa also called on parents and guardians to play a more active role in the upbringing of their male children. He stressed that just as the girl child deserves attention and care, so too does the boy child—especially in today’s world where boys are increasingly exposed to bad influences both online and offline.

“Do not leave the responsibility of raising your children to teachers alone. Guide them, support them, and make them your friends,” he advised.

Also speaking at the event was Justice Mainasara Umar Kogo, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, who emphasized the need for value-based parenting and government accountability in providing basic education.

“Try and socialize the brains of your children to prevent them from being misled into becoming bandits or kidnappers. Government should also ensure that education is accessible to every child. It must not be a privilege, but a right,” he stated.

🔍 Key Takeaways for NaijaRush Readers:

• Cybercrime is not just illegal—it’s mentally and emotionally destructive. The EFCC warns that it damages the future and mental health of young boys who fall into it.

• There are positive alternatives. The EFCC’s planned Cybercrime Research Centre is meant to guide young people towards innovation and ethical digital practices.

• Parental guidance is crucial. Parents must pay attention to the upbringing of their sons and not just rely on teachers or the school system.

• Government has a role to play. Making education accessible and embedding values in our system can prevent young boys from straying into crime.

At NaijaRush, we believe that a nation’s future lies in the hands of its youth, and the boy child deserves just as much support, love, and guidance as the girl child. This event and the strong words from our national leaders serve as a wake-up call. It's time to do better for our boys—before it's too late.