EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede warns Nigerian youths about internet fraud, urging them to reject scams, learn useful skills and pursue honest success.
The Internet fraud menace has come under fresh scrutiny as EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede warned Nigerian youths against getting involved in online scams.
Olukoyede urged young Nigerians to reject fraud and embrace honesty. He said making the right choices today can help secure their future.
The EFCC chairman gave the warning in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
He spoke while addressing youths and teenagers at a conference organised by the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Rivers State Chapter.
The event took place at the Port Harcourt Ecumenical Centre. It focused on tackling social vices among young people.
Olukoyede spoke through EFCC officer Deputy Superintendent James Adayilo Hosea.
His presentation was titled “Internet Fraud Dangers, Consequences and Godly Alternative.”
He described internet fraud as using the internet, computers, mobile phones or social media to deceive people for financial gain.
He also listed several common forms of online fraud. These include fake investments, romance scams and identity theft.
Others are social media impersonation, online shopping scams, cryptocurrency scams, fake giveaways and fraudulent job offers.
According to Olukoyede, involvement in fraud can have serious consequences.
He warned that offenders could face arrest, prosecution, conviction, imprisonment and asset forfeiture.
“All you have laboured for will be taken away,” he warned.
The EFCC chairman identified peer pressure as one factor pushing some youths into internet fraud.
He also pointed to the desire for quick wealth.
According to him, many young people want the rewards of success without following the process needed to achieve it.
“Many young people want quick results without process,” he said.
Olukoyede explained that some youths want expensive cars before building careers. Others want a comfortable lifestyle before putting in the necessary work.
He stressed that lasting success requires patience, discipline and hard work.
“Success without process rarely lasts,” he added.
Olukoyede urged young Nigerians to use their talents to create value.
He particularly encouraged Christian youths to uphold integrity and use their abilities for positive purposes.
“God created every young person with unique gifts, talents, and a purpose,” he said.
He added that young people should not use technology to deceive others.
Instead, he advised them to learn useful skills and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The EFCC chairman also urged youths to choose their friends carefully. He warned them to avoid get-rich-quick schemes and seek mentors who demonstrate integrity.
Furthermore, he encouraged young people to create personal development plans and pursue long-term goals.
He also advised them to spend time in prayer and study God’s Word.
Ultimately, Olukoyede said technology should be used responsibly. He urged Nigerian youths to build legitimate careers rather than risk their future through internet fraud.
