In a startling revelation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a disturbing trend where underage boys involved in internet fraud, commonly known as 'Yahoo Yahoo,' manipulate age declarations to open bank accounts and obtain driver’s licences, facilitating their fraudulent activities. Effa Okim, the Zonal Director of EFCC overseeing Edo, Delta, and Ondo states, made this revelation during a visit to the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by Festus Alenkhe, in Benin City.
Okim expressed concern over the prevalence of internet fraud in the streets, highlighting the alarming visibility of these activities, especially among young boys. Despite Edo State's relatively small size, it ranks second to Lagos in terms of convictions related to cybercrime, a reputation that Okim deemed unworthy of the state's historical significance.
The director shed light on the deceptive practices employed by underage offenders, who falsify age declarations to evade legal consequences. He emphasized instances where parents collude in forging documents to support their children's fraudulent endeavors, only to later claim their children are underage when apprehended.
Okim underscored the complicity of authorities and individuals who facilitate these fraudulent activities by issuing documents, such as driver’s licences and bank account registrations, without verifying the age of the applicants. He challenged parents to take responsibility for their children's actions, questioning their awareness of their children's financial transactions and legal documents.
In alignment with its mandate, the EFCC remains committed to combating cybercrime and reducing its prevalence on the streets. Okim emphasized the importance of collaboration with the media in raising awareness and tackling criminal activities effectively.
In response, Alenkhe urged the EFCC to maintain transparency and accessibility, fostering an open-door policy to provide journalists with timely and accurate information for dissemination.
As the EFCC intensifies its efforts to curb cybercrime, collaboration with stakeholders, including the media, will be crucial in achieving its objectives and safeguarding the integrity of financial systems and institutions.
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