Maureen Okpe
The Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC), Ola Olukayode have raised concern over the increase of cybercrime in Nigeria, disclosing Nigeria lost over $500 million dollars to the menace annually.
Olukayode further disclosed that the commission, in the year under review convicted 3,455 suspects in Nigeria on cybercrimes, adding, about 2,328 cases of cyber fraud occurred daily worldwide.
The EFCC Boss stated this on Tuesday, in Abuja at the Cybercrime Prevention Summit, with theme, Alternative to cybercrime: optimizing cyber skills for national security, organized by the commission in collaboration with the European Union(EU), funded Rule of Law and Anti Corruption (ROLAC II) programme of International IDEA.
Olukayode lamented over the advancement of technology and dire situation, as persons under the aegis of parents of yahoo boys protest the arrests of suspects.
He stated the Commission’s shift in operation, from interrogation to making concerted efforts in providing solutions by redirecting the skills to control the situation, as Nigerian youths are highly resourceful and intelligent.
He said the commission was planning to launch a research and rehabilitation centre to educate people, especially ex-victims in order to create opportunities for them to stop committing crime.
Olukayode reiterated the need for Nigerian government to provide working alternatives for it’s teeming youth stating this will tackle the menace of cybercrime in the country, as the effects are grievous,distorting and corrupting acceptable family values.
He said, “the menace of cybercrime, like most economic and financial crime, is a burning challenge that we cannot ignore, deny or wish away.
“The tendency towards quick riches no longer positions our young people for enterprise, resourceful intellectual aspirations and technological innovations.Projections by multiple sources show that the global loss to cybercrime may reach a staggering 10.5 trillion dollars.
“Technology have taken over we want to ensure that our youths are prepared for the future, it’s not just about enforcement, it is also about prevention but about public enlightenment and collaboration with other sectors of the economy to ensure that we stimulate the system.”
Head of Programme, IDEA, Danladi Plang on his part stated, Cybercrime is not exclusive to Nigeria but a world phenomenon which have escalated with the digitalization of economies.
He said, as technology progresses with increased reliance cybercrimes have also intensified.
According to him, Nigeria has a very youthful population, that is versatile in the use of technology, which have been used negatively in various forms including in digital financial crime.
He said, “this has not only given the country a
bad name internationally, but also a significant threat to the country’s financial system; and increased crimes against the person including child pornography.
He charged the EFCC to rethink the traditional approach of arrest, trial, conviction and
imprisonment in fighting crime, Stating, “by focusing on other ways of channelling the energies of youth and their skills in the use of technology, we will strengthen our cybercrime prevention and response mechanisms; and at the same time create more legitimate opportunities for young people.
“This summit is therefore apt, and we hope that it will help, increase public awareness of cybercrime prevention strategies, particularly among Nigerian youth.
Strengthen legal and policy framework for addressing cybercrime and digital financial crimes.
“IDEA/ROLAC is happy to be a partner to this effort. It is in line with our objectives of strengthening capacity to fight financial crimes. We will continue to support this and other efforts of our anti-corruption agencies
(ACAs).”
Also, Minister of State Youth, Ayodele Olawande, while commending the government of President Bola Tinubu noted that, the administration have embarked on various initiative to address the shortfall, charging the Nigeria youth to embrace good values and work hard.
The governor’s of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal for his part commended the organisers of the summit, noting the need to redeem the Nigerian image, following the devasting effects of cybercrimes.
Highlight of the summit was the launching of the 24/7 Rapid Response Desk, to tackle cybercrime.