The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has rated Lagos and Edo State as the first and second highest, respectively, in convictions related to financial crimes in the country.
The Zonal Director responsible for Edo, Delta, and Ondo states, Effa Okim, made this known during a visit to the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Benin City.
Okim expressed concern about the statistics, noting that it reflects poorly on the reputation of the citizens and residents of the state.
He said that “the statistics that we have is that Edo is after Lagos State in terms of conviction. It calls for concern.
“It is not a good reputation and for me, Edo is too great in the Nigerian history to be reduced to that level in terms of criminality.”
The Zonal Director of the EFCC highlighted the alarming trend of cybercrime, commonly known as ‘yahoo yahoo,’ leading some individuals to engage in ritualistic practices, even involving their own parents.
Okim emphasized that such criminal activities not only undermine the culture and tradition of Nigeria but also pose a threat to its sanctity.
He expressed concern over the lack of parental oversight, blaming parents for failing to monitor their children’s activities.
Okim emphasized the need for collaboration with the media to reduce the visibility of crime, particularly cybercrime committed by minors.
Okim condemned the public display of wealth, stating that it promotes a dangerous mentality among teenagers warning that the EFCC would not tolerate such behavior, considering it more detrimental than cybercrime itself.
To combat these issues, Okim announced the activation of laws against accessory to crime, targeting individuals who support criminal elements.
He warned that landlords renting properties to such individuals would face consequences.
Okim also addressed the involvement of underage boys in internet fraud, revealing that they use false age declarations to open bank accounts and obtain driver’s licenses to launder money from their illicit activities.
He pledged to pursue government agencies and individuals involved in issuing fraudulent documents, including parents who claim their children are underage when they are not.
Okim emphasized the EFCC’s commitment to curbing financial crimes and ensuring that all individuals involved, including parents, are held accountable.
“Crime, what we call yahoo yahoo, is visible in our streets. When you walk on our streets, when you visit our hotels per second you see these boys and it is so visible, disturbing.
“Often because they go and agree with some authorities and do age declaration stating that they are eighteen just to enable them to open accounts and put their criminal structures in place.
“And at the end, when they are arrested, their fathers will come and say their children are underage.
“We are asking them where were you when he got his driver’s license? Where were you when your underage son opened an account because in Nigerian law an underage cannot open an account? Where were you when your son was spending money in an irresponsible manner,” he queried.
Remarking, the Chairman of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Festus Alenkhe, encouraged the new Zonal Director to adopt an open-door policy.
This, he said, would ensure that information is readily available to journalists, fostering transparency and effective communication.
