…warns of the dangers of unchecked ambition and misuse of internet
By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed serious concern over the increasing involvement of Nigerian youths in cybercrime, warning that the trend poses a significant threat to the future of the country.
The Acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Ahmed Ghali, raised the alarm on Thursday, May 15, 2025, during a seminar organized by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Bode Thomas Division, Area C Command Headquarters, Surulere, Lagos. The event, themed “The Role of the Boy Child in Community Development and Safety,” brought together students, educators, law enforcement officers, and civil society stakeholders.
Dele Oyewale, the commission’s spokesperson disclosed that speaking through ACE II Babatunde Sulaiman, Head of Public Affairs, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ghali warned that many youths have become victims of “excessive ambition” and are now entangled in fraudulent online activities that could destroy their futures.
“As beautiful as your dreams may be, they could be doomed from the start if you don’t embrace the culture of discipline and integrity,” Ghali said. “Many youths are increasingly drifting towards antisocial behaviours that can disrupt public peace, harm individuals, or degrade the environment. Among these is internet fraud, which has become a prevalent pastime.”
He described the internet as a “double-edged sword,” capable of transforming lives positively when used constructively, but also capable of derailing futures when abused.
“If you use it wisely, it can elevate you financially and enable you to contribute to your community’s development,” he said. “However, if you choose to use the internet for criminal purposes, you won’t just harm your unsuspecting victims, but you’ll also jeopardize your own personal goals.”
Ghali further lamented what he described as an “insatiable desire” among many young Nigerians to attain wealth through dubious means online, stressing that this misguided approach undermines societal values and contributes to moral decay.
“It is unfortunate that many of our youths are chasing wealth without hard work. Cybercrime may seem rewarding in the short term, but it leads to long-term consequences including prosecution, imprisonment, and societal shame,” he added.
He urged youths to redirect their energy and creativity toward legitimate and productive digital ventures.
“There are countless legitimate opportunities online – from software development to digital marketing and e-commerce. We encourage you to explore those pathways and build sustainable careers,” he advised.
Also speaking at the event, Prince Samuel Olaoluwa Akintoye, Chairman, PCRC Bode Thomas Division and Organizing Secretary, Area C Command, said the initiative was born out of a desire to instill ethical and patriotic values in young Nigerians.
“The purpose of this initiative is to present a valuable opportunity to engage our boys and guide them on how to navigate the complex paths to realizing their dreams. They need to reflect on how they can contribute to the development of their communities,” he said.
Other notable speakers at the seminar included Prof. (Mrs.) Aderonke Lawal-Are, Director, Centre for General Studies and Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos; Chief Alaka Yusuf Lukman Owolabi, President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Lagos; and Mr. Ayomide Hussain from the Public Complaints Commission, Lagos.
In attendance were ACP Oni Abayomi, representing the Area Commander, Area C Command, Surulere; Prof. Ehi Eric Esoimeme, Legal Adviser, Area C Command; and Barr. (Mrs.) Ene Sarah Unobe, Executive Director, International Centre for Human Rights. Also present were students from selected secondary schools across Lagos State.
The event ended with a strong call to action for parents, educators, community leaders, and law enforcement to work collaboratively in mentoring young Nigerians and steering them away from criminal behaviour.
