During a recent interaction with editors at the EFCC Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, shared a startling incident involving a 17-year-old hacker who successfully breached his personal computer and bank account.
Olukoyede narrated the incident, which took place at his office in Lagos, where he had invited the teenage hacker, a 200-level History and Anthropology student, for questioning. To his surprise, the young individual effortlessly bypassed the security measures of Olukoyede’s locked computer and gained access to sensitive information, including the chairman’s bank verification number (BVN) and account details.
The EFCC chairman expressed concern over the prevalence of cybercrimes among young individuals and emphasized the need for measures to deter such behavior. He highlighted the importance of educating and rehabilitating young cybercriminals to prevent further involvement in illicit activities, acknowledging the potential consequences, including imprisonment or fatal outcomes.
Despite the boy’s demonstration of his hacking abilities, Olukoyede emphasized the agency’s commitment to administering light sentences and providing opportunities for rehabilitation. He reiterated the agency’s focus on reorienting young offenders and helping them realize the gravity of their actions.
In a bid to address the underlying issues contributing to cybercrime, Olukoyede shared the hacker’s personal circumstances, revealing that the teenager was the primary breadwinner for his family, consisting of younger siblings and parents who were unable to work due to security concerns.
In a gesture of goodwill, Olukoyede pledged to support the teenager’s education if he ceased his criminal activities, demonstrating the agency’s holistic approach to addressing cybercrimes. He also highlighted the agency’s efforts to collaborate with stakeholders, including the National Association of University Students, to raise awareness and deter young individuals from engaging in cybercrimes.
The EFCC chairman’s revelation underscores the agency’s proactive stance in combating cybercrimes while advocating for rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society. Through education, mentorship, and support, the agency aims to prevent future occurrences of cybercrimes and safeguard the future of Nigerian youth.
