The EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has assured of leading a broad-based and holistic anti-graft war that would not spare anyone linked with economic or financial crime.

“We will not spare anyone. We will not spare the mega thieves. As we are doing the mega, we will also do those at the lower end,” Mr Olukoyede said in a statement on Monday by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale.

The EFCC boss gave the assurance in Abuja at an anti-corruption concert organised to create greater awareness and public involvement in the fight against internet crimes.

“In the last two months, we have arraigned two former governors. So, it is not true that we are only focused on internet fraudsters.

“Of course, internet fraud is bad enough, but our focus is on every form of economic and financial crime,” he said.

He cautioned youths against indulging in internet-related offences, pointing out that the consequences of being convicted for such crimes are grave.

“Youths need to know that being ex-convicts has career limitations. Ex-convicts can’t run for public office; the stigma alone is even worse.

“I urge you to avoid internet crimes by all means. Your future is more important than any immediate gains from such crimes,” he said.

Mr Olukoyede said the EFCC, under his watch, was deeply interested in giving youths a glorious and sustainable future.

He said a cybercrime research centre was being planned for the EFCC’s new academy.

“The centre will involve youths in in-depth research about the issue of cybercrime. Their energies will be deployed towards profitable engagements,” he said.

He charged the youth to embrace hard work and diligence, stressing that the path to success was hard work and dignity.

“There is dignity in labour. Let’s come together. All of us must come together and agree that corruption is evil. Don’t leave the fight to EFCC alone,” he said.

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, urged the youths across the country to support the EFCC in its crusade against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

“Nigeria is supposed to have progressed more than this. We will not allow corrupt people to destroy our future. That is why we need to come together and fight this evil in our society.

“Let’s show the world that Nigerian young people are determined to change the narrative,” he said. 

(NAN)