The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, shared a concerning incident where a 17-year-old was able to hack into his personal computer and bank account while being questioned at his office in Lagos. Olukoyede recounted the incident during a chat with editors at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja.

The young hacker, who was studying History and Anthropology, effortlessly bypassed the security measures of Olukoyede’s locked computer and obtained his bank verification number (BVN) and account details. This demonstration raised alarm about the vulnerability of personal information to cybercrimes.

Olukoyede emphasized the need to discourage such activities among young individuals, highlighting the potential consequences of imprisonment or worse. Despite the severity of the crime, he suggested administering light sentences to youth involved in cybercrimes, focusing on reorienting them rather than solely punishing them.

The EFCC chairman described the difficult circumstances of the 17-year-old, who was the main breadwinner for his family due to his parents’ inability to work on their farm because of security concerns. Despite his involvement in cybercrime, Olukoyede saw potential in the boy and vowed to support his education if he stopped his criminal activities.

This approach reflects the EFCC’s strategy to rehabilitate convicted internet fraudsters by offering reduced sentences and educational support. Olukoyede emphasized the importance of preventing youths from indulging in cybercrime, highlighting the negative consequences of being labeled an “ex-convict.”

Overall, Olukoyede’s narrative underscores the complexity of addressing cybercrimes among young individuals and the EFCC’s efforts to tackle this issue through rehabilitation and education.