The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has rejected public assertions that it targets only internet fraudsters in Nigeria, pointing to investigations and prosecutions involving five former governors and five former ministers.
During a media briefing on Thursday at a one-day capacity-building workshop on cryptocurrency for civil society organisations and journalists in Maiduguri, Borno State, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, described the claim as a “stubborn perception,” stressing that the agency’s mandate covers a wide range of offences rather than a single category of crime.
He explained, “It is a stubborn perception that has refused to go, but I can tell you that it is just a perception issue. Last year alone, the commission arraigned five former governors and five former ministers before the court.
“What it takes to investigate a former public office holder is a lot of effort and resources. So, if we think that in one year a commission is able to arraign such people before the court, then it will be wrong for anyone to say that our effort is largely directed towards internet fraudsters,” he said.
The spokesperson, however, admitted that online fraudsters have significantly damaged Nigeria’s economy.
“Let me tell you, the present reality in this country is that the so-called internet fraudsters and ‘Yahoo boys’ are wreaking more havoc on the economy than any other group.
“For us to change this perception, we need to realise that the anti-corruption fight is broad-based and fully integrated—not focused on one type of crime over another,” he added.
“There is no crime that is bigger or stronger than any other. A crime is a crime,” he stated.
Dele further said, “Whether internet fraud, procurement fraud, or money laundering, they are all tearing the soul of our country.”
He reaffirmed that the commission remains dedicated to combating financial crimes nationwide.
“The commission is doing all it can to ensure that all perpetrators, whatever name they are called, do not thrive,” he noted.
He also pointed out that the Northeast has witnessed financial crimes involving non-governmental organisations.
He said, “Our Zonal Director here in Maiduguri is doing everything possible to ensure that any form of fraudulent practice is not allowed to stand.
“In the Northeast, there are many money laundering practices routed through NGOs. She is tackling them very effectively, and we have several convictions to that effect,” he added.
Meanwhile, Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC in Maiduguri, Aisha Habib, urged CSOs and the media to work more closely with the agency to enhance the battle against corruption.
She said, “The issue of fighting corruption cannot be left exclusively to the EFCC; we need community engagement. In some cases, we cannot directly reach the community. You, the media, and CSOs are the mirror with direct access to them, which is why this programme is important.”
