EFCC warns hotel owners against accommodating internet fraudsters
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned hotel owners to avoid being accomplices to internet fraudsters who check into their facilities.
The Zonal Commander of EFCC, Michael Nzekwe, gave the warning in Ilorin on Thursday while addressing a stakeholders meeting of Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs) at the commission’s office.
Mr Nzekwe threatened that any hotel owner caught in the act of accommodating internet fraudsters for money laundering activities risked being prosecuted and jailed.
“The commission has observed a worrying pattern of hospitality by entrepreneurs with suspected fraudsters, by housing them over a long period and making internet facilities available to them.
“I hereby warn hoteliers against allowing cyber criminals into their facilities,” he said.
The zonal commander said that the act contravened Section 3 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
He mentioned that the offence attracts a prison term of five and 15 years, without option of fine, for any person who permits his premises to be used for any offence.
Mr Nzekwe said that the meeting was to sensitise stakeholders on the rising trend of the activities of fraudsters and the need to support the commission in the fight against corruption.
He said that ignorance was not an excuse under the law and urged hotel owners to always ask their customers for means of identification and fill their occupation as part of the check-in procedures.
The zonal commander implored hotel owners to support the commission with credible and actionable information, saying that such information when received would be treated with absolute confidentiality.
The president of Hotel Owners Association in Kwara, Dauda Akande, said that there were some challenges faced by hotel owners in dealing with customers, like concealment of identity by guests.
Mr Akande said that the refusal of guests to disclose identity made it difficult for hotel owners to know who could be a fraudster before allowing them to lodge in their facilities.
He also mentioned that the safety of whistle blowers was important for security purposes with other challenges.
The immediate past Chairman of the Association, Isaac Adeyemi, commended EFCC for its professionalism and doggedness in the anti-graft war.
He pledged on behalf of others to support the commission in its bid to stem the scourge of corruption in Nigeria.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
