The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has warned young girls across the country against the growing incidence of sextortion, urging them to exercise caution in their relationships and uphold integrity.
Olukoyede gave the warning in Abuja on Monday, October 12, during an event organized by the African Girl Guild (AGG) to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child. The event was held under the theme, “Invest in Her, Empower Her and Let Her Lead.”
Expressing concern over the increasing cases of sextortion in the country, the EFCC chairman explained that perpetrators exploit the vulnerable moments of young women to extort money from them. He urged girls to be cautious in their relationships with the opposite sex and avoid falling victim to the schemes of criminals.
“Girls need to be careful about relationships and not fall into the antics of criminals and sextortionists. Integrity in a relationship will safeguard you against such villains. A girl with integrity will always outlast a girl with only make-up. Your integrity is your crown. Do not sell it cheap,” he said.
Olukoyede, who was represented at the event by the Head of the EFCC’s Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I), Aisha Muhammed, also cautioned young girls against engaging in cybercrime and other internet-related offences.
He warned that involvement in cybercrime, including serving as account mules for internet fraudsters popularly known as “Yahoo boys” and engaging in online blackmail, could have serious consequences for both the individuals involved and the country’s international reputation.
“If you engage in cybercrime; if you become an account mule for Yahoo boys; if you blackmail people online, you are not just committing a crime, you are destroying Nigeria’s image, the same Nigeria you will need for a lot of things,” he said.
The EFCC chairman’s message underscored the importance of personal integrity, responsible online conduct and vigilance among young girls as they navigate relationships and the growing risks associated with digital platforms.
