TheCable

Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the agency will not spare anyone found to be involved in any form of economic and financial crimes.

In a statement issued on Monday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said Olukoyede spoke in Abuja at an anti-corruption concert to create awareness and public involvement in the fight against internet crimes.

Olukoyede reaffirmed his commitment to a “fully integrated war against corrupt practices”, stressing that the agency would focus on all financial and economic crimes.

“We will not spare anyone. We will not spare the mega thieves. As we are doing the mega, we will also do those at the lower end,” the EFCC chairman said.

“In the last two months, we have arraigned two former governors. So, it is not true that we are only focused on internet fraudsters.

“Of course, internet fraud is bad enough but our focus is on every form of economic and financial crimes.”

He cautioned youths against indulging in internet-related offences, pointing out that the consequences of being convicted for such crimes are grave.

“Youths need to know that being ex-convicts has career limitations. Ex-convicts can’t run for public offices, the stigma alone is even terrible,” he said.

“I urge you to avoid internet crimes by all means. Your future is more important than any immediate gains from such crimes.”

Olukoyede said EFCC under his watch is interested in giving youths a “glorious and sustainable future”.

He said a cyber crime research centre is being planned in the new academy of the EFCC.

“The centre will involve youths in in-depth research about the issue of cybercrime. Their energies will be deployed toward profitable engagements,” he said.

“There is dignity in labour. Let’s come together. All of us must come together and agree that corruption is evil. Don’t leave the fight to EFCC alone.”

Speaking at the event, Ayodele Olawande, minister of state for youth development, urged the youths to support the EFCC in its crusade against economic and financial crimes.

“Nigeria is supposed to have progressed more than this. We will not allow corrupt people to destroy our future that is why we need to come together and fight this evil in our society,” the minister said.

“That is why we need to continuously run this campaign because I am convinced that everyone of us has a part to play, without you, there is little or nothing EFCC can do.

“Let’s show the world that Nigeria’s young people are determined to change the narrative.”