EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has urged Nigerian youths to reject internet fraud, peer pressure and get-rich-quick schemes, urging them to embrace integrity and useful skills
Olukoyede Warns Youths Against Internet Fraud, Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to reject internet fraud and embrace integrity, warning that the pursuit of quick wealth could destroy their future.
Olukoyede gave the charge on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while addressing youths and teenagers at a conference organised by the Organization of African Instituted Churches, Rivers State Chapter.
The conference, held at the Port Harcourt Ecumenical Centre, focused on tackling social vices among young people.
Speaking through the EFCC Deputy Superintendent, DSE James Adayilo Hosea, on the topic, “Internet Fraud Dangers, Consequences and Godly Alternative,” Olukoyede described internet fraud as the use of the internet, computers, mobile phones or social media to deceive people for financial gain.
He warned that involvement in cybercrime could have serious consequences for young people, identifying fake online investments, romance scams, identity theft, social media impersonation, online shopping scams, cryptocurrency scams, fake giveaways and fraudulent job offers among common forms of internet fraud.
According to the EFCC chairman, the consequences of internet fraud include arrest, prosecution, conviction, imprisonment and possible forfeiture of assets.
“All you have laboured for will be taken away,” he said.
Olukoyede identified peer pressure and the desire to get rich quickly as major factors driving youths into internet fraud, warning that the pursuit of wealth without discipline and hard work rarely produces lasting success.
“Many young people want quick results without process. They want a car before career; comfortable lifestyle before they labour. They want rewards before work. Unfortunately, life does not work that way. Success without process rarely lasts. Peer pressure also leads some into committing internet crimes,” he said.
The EFCC boss urged the youths, particularly those who profess the Christian faith, to distinguish themselves by demonstrating integrity and responsible conduct.
“God created every young person with unique gifts, talents, and a purpose. He did not create us to live by deception or dishonesty, but to be lights in our generation,” he said.
He encouraged young Nigerians to turn technology into a tool for legitimate advancement rather than criminal activity.
“Instead of using technology to scam people, use it to create value and be responsible citizens by learning useful skills and contributing meaningfully to the growth of the economy,” he said.
Olukoyede further advised the youths “to choose their friends wisely, avoid get-rich-quick schemes, develop marketable skills, seek mentors that have integrity, spend time in prayer and in God’s Word, create a personal development plans, focus on long-term success rather than instant gratification and use technology to create value rather than exploit others.”
The EFCC chairman’s message comes amid continued efforts to discourage young Nigerians from cybercrime by highlighting both the legal consequences of internet fraud and legitimate pathways to financial independence.
