The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is putting in more efforts to fight against internet fraud among underage individuals, also known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo,’ who manipulate legal documents for their illicit activities. Effa Okim, the Zonal Director of EFCC overseeing Edo, Delta, and Ondo states, affirmed this commitment during a visit to the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), headed by Festus Alenkhe.
Okim highlighted that these young fraudsters often falsify age declarations to open bank accounts and obtain driver’s licenses, enabling them to spend their ill-gotten gains. The EFCC’s focus extends beyond the perpetrators to government agencies and individuals complicit in issuing these fraudulent documents.
“Edo State ranks second only to Lagos in convictions for internet fraud,” disclosed Okim, emphasizing the severity of the problem in the region. He expressed concern over such criminal activity tarnishing the reputation of a historically significant state.
Additionally, Okim criticized parents’ roles in these crimes, noting instances where parents defend their convicted children by falsely claiming they are minors, despite previous fraudulent age declarations.
“We frequently encounter parents asserting their children are underage after arrests, yet they were absent when these minors obtained illegal driver’s licenses or opened bank accounts,” Okim remarked. He challenged parents to take responsibility for their children’s actions and financial behaviors.
Furthermore, Okim revealed that the EFCC will collaborate with the media to increase awareness of their crackdown efforts and educate the public on the serious consequences of internet fraud.
