During a conversation with editors at the EFCC Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, last Tuesday, Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, recounted an incident where a 17-year-old managed to hack into both his personal computer and bank account while being interrogated at his office in Lagos.
Olukoyede explained how he had invited the teenager, who is a second-year student studying History and Anthropology, to his office for questioning. To his surprise, the young hacker effortlessly circumvented the security measures of his locked computer right before his eyes. He shared, “I brought a seventeen-year-old boy into my Lagos office who is studying History and Anthropology. He is in the 200 level and is not pursuing anything related to science. The guy sat in my office in Lagos and demonstrated some things to me on my laptop.”
“He requested my phone number, I provided it, and using my phone number, he obtained my BVN. Subsequently, he mentioned my account number from the bank to me. I didn’t disclose any details to him.”
He emphasized the importance for the country to take decisive actions to dissuade these young individuals, as their activities could result in imprisonment or even fatal consequences.
“The issue is, I perceive both crime and opportunities in this. So, if we neglect these individuals and fail to educate them on the wrongdoing of their actions, they will persist in viewing it as a legitimate means to earn money.”
He noted that considering their young age, the EFCC would impose lenient sentences to address the cybercrimes committed by youths, while also focusing on reorienting them.
“We advocate for lenient sentences to facilitate their reorientation, and that’s part of our approach. What satisfaction would I derive from sending a 17-year-old boy to prison? You would have jeopardized his future. You would have sabotaged his prospects.
“At times, we offer them alternatives such as fines and other forms of conviction, so we bring them in, provide them with lectures, and engage in discussions with them.”
Displaying his prowess, the boy confidently informed Olukoyede that he could transfer up to 10 million naira from any account in a single transaction.
He recounted that after completing his demonstration, the 17-year-old boy stated, “Listen, sir, I can easily make 10 million right now. I’ll show you. I’ll transfer money from your account to mine.”
“I declined, advising him not to proceed with such actions in my office, but he was eager to proceed. Even without me granting him access to my laptop, he managed to gain entry.”
When asked about his participation in cybercrime, the boy revealed that his parents, who are both farmers, were unable to tend to their farm due to security issues.
“He has two younger siblings, one in JSS2 and the other in SSS2. He is solely responsible for providing for his parents and covering the tuition fees for his younger siblings.
“I saw a potential Bill Gates in that young man.”
However, Olukoyede assured the boy that if he ceased his criminal activities, he would personally take responsibility for his education.
“I discussed it with my family, and we are committed to doing that.
“I reached out to a friend who is also willing to assist with the education of the SSS2 sibling. Currently, I am seeking someone who can support the education of the JSS2 sibling.”
This isn’t the first occasion where the EFCC chairman has disclosed the agency’s initiative to rehabilitate convicted internet fraudsters with reduced sentences.
During a meeting with a delegation from the National Association of University Students in March 2024, he remarked, “When you deeply contemplate it, being labeled an ‘ex-convict’ isn’t favorable. You never know where you might end up tomorrow, and people will want to scrutinize you only to discover that you have a history as an ex-convict.”
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