Yahoo Boys Worsening Visa Restrictions for Nigerians, Says EFCC
- EFCC warns that internet fraud is tightening visa conditions for innocent Nigerians abroad
- Chairman Ola Olukoyede urges youths to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship instead of cybercrime
- US and other countries have revised visa policies amid Nigeria’s rising fraud-related reputation issues
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised alarm over the growing impact of internet fraud on Nigeria’s global reputation, warning that cybercrime is tightening visa rules for law-abiding citizens.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said fraudulent activities have made it harder for genuine travelers to secure entry permits in several countries.
Source: Facebook
He explained that crimes such as online scams, money laundering and economic sabotage damage the nation’s image and fuel tougher immigration policies.
Olukoyede delivered the warning on Monday at a youth security forum in Port Harcourt organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.
Represented by Chief Superintendent CSE Coker Oyegunle, he said billions of naira are lost yearly to internet fraud, undermining economic growth and depriving Nigerians of jobs, infrastructure and opportunities.
“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today,” he told the gathering.
Youth Urged to Choose Productive Paths
The EFCC chief called on young Nigerians to reject quick-money schemes and invest their talents in legitimate ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture and the creative industry.
He said the country’s strength lies in its youth population and that choosing honesty and innovation would build a Nigeria capable of competing globally. The commission, he added, will intensify sensitisation campaigns and community partnerships to curb cybercrime and related offences.
Source: Twitter
The event also featured warnings from other agencies. A representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mathew Ewah, described drug abuse as one of the most dangerous threats facing Nigerian youths.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cautioned against pipeline vandalism, highlighting its environmental and economic damage in the South-South.
The EFCC has recently stepped up arrests and prosecutions of suspected internet fraudsters. In August, operatives detained 38 suspects in Lagos after days of surveillance, recovering vehicles, phones and substances believed to be narcotics.
In Edo State, 12 people were convicted for offences including advance fee fraud and retention of crime proceeds.
The warning follows a July decision by the United States to shorten the validity of some non-immigrant visas for Nigerians to three months and limit them to single entry.
Olukoyede said such measures reflect how the actions of fraudsters are making travel more difficult for millions of innocent Nigerians seeking education, business and tourism opportunities abroad.
EFCC accused of arresting ADC top leaders
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the EFCC questioned ex-governor of Sokoto Aminu Tambuwal over alleged ₦189bn withdrawals, sparking claims by ADC of political intimidation.
ADC accused EFCC of bias and targeting opposition leaders ahead of 2027, but EFCC denied acting for any party.
Internal rifts deepened in the coalition as key figures distanced themselves, with ADC leadership seeming to shift to acting chairman Nafiu Bala.
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Source: Legit.ng
