The Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Command, Ahmed Ghali, has again urged Nigerian students from selected schools across Lagos State to shun cyber crime, and to embrace hard work as the only road to success in life.
He gave the charge in a lecture entitled “Risk and consequences of Cyber crime (Yahoo Yahoo)” delivered at the Akinwunmi Youth Center, Yaba, Lagos, on February 8, 2022, as part of the annual celebration of the “Safer Internet Day”,.
Ghali who was represented by the Deputy Head, Cyber Crimes Section, EFCC Lagos Command, Suleiman Jijiwa, described the event as an auspicious one.
According to him, cybercrimes is not a way of life and cannot ensure an enduring success. Hard work is the only route to sustainable successful life.
Speaking further, he said, “this event is not only timely, but necessary, considering the rise in the spate of cybercrime across the globe and Nigeria in particular”.
“In the year 2021 alone, there were cyber-attack incidents every 11 seconds; this rise is alarming and worrisome.”
He noted that cybercrime in Nigeria was being perpetrated by youths and students within the age bracket of 18-45.
Identifying the quest for money as the major driving force that lures students into cybercrime, he warned them that the EFCC will continue to trace, arrest and prosecute Internet fraudsters.
“Arrest and conviction will give the perpetrator a negative image within the society and may result in withdrawal from school,” he said.
The Safer Internet Day, is an initiative of the Joint INSAFE/INHOPE, aimed at transforming the mindset of young individuals in order to reduce cybercrime in the society.