Crime

EFCC Advises Youths Against Cyber Crime

By Web News 613

As part of efforts to engage the student community in the campaign against cybercrime, the Ibadan Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Kanu Idagu, has advised the youth to desist from cybercrime, warning that it could ruin their lives.

 He gave this charge on Thursday, October 7, 2021, while delivering a lecture on Information and Communication Technology and Social Order at the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ibadan.

Kanu who was represented by the Head of Economic Governance of the Command, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, David  Nkpe, defined cybercrime as any form of an illegal act perpetrated by using the internet and other electronic means to obtain money from unsuspecting victims.

He advised the youths to focus on self-development and redirect their energy into positive activities that will benefit them and society. “It is better to start humble and grow steadily than spend time in jail. Be content, work hard and you will definitely get to the top,” he said.  

According to him, the EFCC is exploring all avenues to dissuade Nigerians from embracing corrupt practices in order not to dent the country’s reputation. He said the Commission was ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to find ways of encouraging the students to use their youthful energies in a positive manner, adding that there are enormous opportunities through the internet.  

He said the youths should realize that cybercrime has effects that could destroy their future.

Kanu expressed dismay that some families openly encourage the criminal activities of their children because of the benefits they derive from such activities and then justify it with the high rate of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.

He assured that the Commission remains steadfast in its determination to reduce cybercrime to the barest minimum in the country.

The Head of Department, Professor E. Nwokocha thanked the EFCC for considering the invitation and bringing the practical lessons to bear in the students’ experience. “This will no doubt serve as warning shots and equip the students to steer clear of these crimes and serve as the vanguard for social order,” he stated.

Kayode Banjo

News

Ibadan EFCC Office Gets New Head

By Web News 2895

The newly appointed Zonal Head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan office, Kanu Idagu, has expressed his readiness to work hard to improve the good image he met on ground.

Idagu, who held a brief interactive session with the EFCC staff in the zone on assumption of office on Monday, March 2, 2020, praised the exemplary spirit of the officers, describing the zone as one of the best in the Commission.

He described the Ibadan team as resourceful and efficient. 

He said he was coming with high spirit and the mindset to make things better, as he sought officers’ support and further commitment to work in the quest to lift the Commission to greater heights.

“Success should not be a one-off affair. The zone has done well. Your record last year was fantastic and inspiring. But we can always do better. This is a fresh year that poses a fresh challenge. We are what we do repeatedly. Excellence is not an act, but an attitude. We, therefore, must remain consistent in the spirit of excellence”.

“We must work in synergy and re-dedicate ourselves to the mandate of the Commission. We should work hard to beat the last year’s record. I know we can do better if we push harder, as it is said that if you don’t exceed your limit you can’t create a miracle.,” he said.

The new boss charged the officers to always live above board and ensure that they flee from all appearances of corruption, asking them to make integrity their watchword.

“He who wants to come to equity must come with clean hands, so the saying goes. As law enforcement officers, you must guide your integrity jealously. You must stay away from corruption. If there is anyone among you involving in corrupt practices, I implore you to change your ways now. The EFCC abhors corruption and that stance should be our creed,” he added.

After a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Calabar, Idagu joined the EFCC in 2004 as one of the first set of its cadet officers.

He also holds a Masters of Science (M.Sc) in Security Psychology and Legal Criminology from the University of Ibadan, as well as a Certificate in Strategic Intelligence Analysis after successfully completing a specialised training at the Greater Manchester Police of the United Kingdom.

Grounded in anti-corruption strategies, especially investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, the new EFCC Ibadan Zonal Head has played prominent roles in bringing to a successful conclusion some of the prominent cases that earned the commission its high respect internationally.

He has held many strategic positions within the anti-graft agency, including Head, Special Task Force, STF; Head, Economic Governance, EG; and Head, Advance Fee Fraud, AFF, in both Lagos office and the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja. His last posting was in Abuja where he was Head, AFF. Idagu took over the headship of the zone on Monday from Bright Igeleke, the second-in-command, who was the acting Head since the former Zonal Head, Friday Ebelo, left for a course at the National Institute for Security Studies, NISS, Abuja.

Sunday Ogunyemi