Edo Ranks Second in Financial Crime Convictions: EFCC Reports

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that Edo State ranks second in the country for convictions related to financial crimes. Effa Okim, the Zonal Director overseeing Edo, Delta, and Ondo states, shared this concerning statistic during a visit to the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City.

Expressing his dismay over this reputation, Okim emphasized that such a standing was not reflective of the greatness of Edo State in Nigerian history. He particularly highlighted the prevalence of cybercrime, commonly known as ‘yahoo yahoo,’ which has led some individuals, including minors, to engage in ritualistic activities, even involving their own parents.

Okim stressed the detrimental impact of such criminal activities on the culture, tradition, and integrity of the Nigerian state. He attributed the rise in cybercrime to the failure of parents to monitor and guide their children effectively.

Furthermore, Okim outlined the EFCC’s readiness to collaborate with the media to combat the visibility of crime on the streets, particularly cybercrime perpetrated by underage individuals. He cautioned against the public display of wealth through the act of spraying money, emphasizing its negative influence on teenagers’ perceptions of wealth acquisition.

Additionally, Okim revealed the EFCC’s plans to activate laws targeting those complicit in aiding criminal activities, including individuals and government agencies involved in issuing fraudulent documents. He emphasized the need to hold accountable not only the perpetrators but also those enabling their actions, such as landlords renting properties to criminal elements.

In response, Festus Alenkhe, the Chairman of the Edo State NUJ Council, encouraged Okim to maintain transparency and open communication with journalists to facilitate the dissemination of information regarding the EFCC’s activities.