The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has emphasized that poverty and unemployment should not be used as excuses for involvement in cybercrime. Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesperson of the commission, made this known in a statement released in Abuja. Speaking at the Orientation/Matriculation program for new students of Lagos State University, Bawa gave a lecture titled “The Roles of Youths in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes.”
The EFCC boss stressed that poverty and unemployment were not valid justifications for youths who engage in internet fraud operations and should not be used as bases for defrauding others of their hard-earned money. Bawa represented the Commander of the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC, ACE1 Michael Wetkaz, at the event.
Bawa acknowledged that youths are critical stakeholders in nation-building and could confront and eradicate corrupt practices if they are willing to be agents of change with their efforts. He urged them to avoid criminality in their interactions within and outside their school environment and persuade those around them to do the same. Bawa emphasized that committing a crime while trying to tackle a crime is impossible.
The EFCC Chairman also advised the youths to use the Eagle Eye Application of the EFCC to become whistleblowers, noting that it is a digital reporting device that permits anonymous reporting. The app enables images to be uploaded and sent to the EFCC. He also encouraged the youths to get involved in the newly created club on campus called the EFCC Zero Tolerance Club, which is aimed at eradicating economic crimes and other societal vices. Bawa explained that the Zero Tolerance Club’s goal is to promote ethical behavior, good character, and continuous engagement with students on the need to shun illicit practices.
Bawa admonished the students to embrace hard work and consider cybercrime as “a crime against humanity and God,” instead of engaging in them. He explained that the EFCC cannot achieve its mandate to prevent and punish economic and financial crimes without everyone’s support, including the youths. Bawa urged the students to be the Commission’s foot soldiers in ridding the nation of economic and financial crimes.
NAN
