The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has warned Nigerian youths against internet fraud, saying proceeds of illicit activities could ultimately cost them everything they have worked to acquire.

Olukoyede gave the warning on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while addressing youths and teenagers at a conference organised by the Organization of African Instituted Churches, Rivers State Chapter.

The conference, held at the Port Harcourt Ecumenical Centre, focused on addressing social vices and promoting positive values among young people.

Speaking through a Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, James Adayilo Hosea, on the topic, “Internet Fraud Dangers, Consequences and Godly Alternative,” the EFCC chairman defined internet fraud as the use of the internet, computers, mobile phones or social media to deceive people for financial gain.

He warned that youths involved in cybercrime risk losing not only their freedom but also assets acquired through fraudulent proceeds.

According to him, the consequences of internet fraud include arrest, prosecution, conviction, imprisonment and possible forfeiture of assets.

“All you have laboured for will be taken away,” Olukoyede warned.

The EFCC chairman identified fake online investments, romance scams, identity theft, social media impersonation, online shopping scams, cryptocurrency scams, fake giveaways and fraudulent job offers among the common forms of internet-enabled crimes.

He attributed the growing involvement of young people in cybercrime largely to peer pressure and the desire to become wealthy without going through the necessary process of building a legitimate career.

“Many young people want quick results without process. They want a car before career; comfortable lifestyle before they labour. They want rewards before work. Unfortunately, life does not work that way. Success without process rarely lasts. Peer pressure also leads some into committing internet crimes,” he said.

Olukoyede urged the youths, particularly those who identify as followers of Christ, to embrace integrity and reject dishonest means of making money.

He said young Nigerians had unique talents and abilities that could be channelled into productive ventures rather than criminal activities.

“God created every young person with unique gifts, talents, and a purpose. He did not create us to live by deception or dishonesty, but to be lights in our generation,” he said.

The EFCC boss encouraged the youths to use technology to create value, acquire useful skills and contribute meaningfully to the economy instead of exploiting unsuspecting victims online.

He also advised them to choose their friends carefully, avoid get-rich-quick schemes, develop marketable skills and seek mentors who demonstrate integrity.

Olukoyede further urged the youths to set personal development goals, focus on long-term success rather than instant gratification, and make prayer and the study of God’s Word part of their lives.

He stressed that genuine success requires patience, discipline and a commitment to legitimate processes, urging the younger generation to reject the pressure to achieve instant wealth through internet fraud.