- EFCC warns perpetrators
By GILBERT EKEZIE
Considering the high rate of Cyber Crime in the country, especially in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, Lagos State, the Crime Prevention Partnership (CPP), a non governmental organization, in conjunction with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), recently gathered hotel owners and other stakeholders in the locality to sensitize them on the effects of Cyber Crime .
The one-day programme tagged Brighter Future and titled “Prevent! Global Practice of Eradicating Crime , was also put together in partnership with the United Kingdom Government, TAG International and CLEEN Foundation.
It was interesting that many hotel owners in the area, stakeholders, Community Development Associations, Security Agencies like the Police, DSS and Civil Defence were well represented.
Also, young people, market men and women in the locality, came out en masse to grace the event held at the Council Secretariat, Ajegunle, Lagos.
Representative of EFCC, Mr Olukinni Olufemi said it is important that the hoteliers and other stakeholders know the implications of Cyber Crime, so as to see the need to curb it.
He advised the hoteliers not to allow those who engage in Cyber Crime to patronize them, to avoid being victims of circumstances.
Olukinni explained that the EFCC is always on the trail of the Cyber Crime committers , and will not spare anyone found guilty of the offense.
“As hoteliers, ensure that you check your customers well. Many of them have criminal intentions, but you may not know. In some cases, you may know, but overlook them.
“If we get any information of such, we will come and raid the place. So, be guided.”
The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ajegunle, CSP Constantine explained that the police is doing her best to curb crime in the area.
He expressed dissatisfaction on the way to young people are going into Cyber Crime , pointing out that if not checked, their futures may be bleak.
The DPO commended CPP for the good job they are doing and promised that the police will always remain a partner in progress.
The traditional ruler of Apapa Kingdom, Oba Moroof Oyekunle Atanda Oluwa advised the young people to shun crime and engage in acts that will better their future.
The traditional ruler also commended CPP on their efforts do far at ensuring that the discouraged the youths from indulging in criminal activities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Project Coordinator, Ambassador Michael Ojobaro said the exercise became necessary because crime destroys the future of younger ones.
He said people engage in Cyber crime because they see it as the easiest act of crime.
Ojobaro explained that the effects of Cyber Crime in the lives of younger people are obvious, as it makes them unproductive and senseless in a community where there are intelligent and innovative youths. “I make bold to say that Cyber Crime is a distraction to the normal lifestyle, especially if those involved are no longer making the illegal money,
“Also, due to continuous enlightenment and increase in the number of Cyber Security experts, the criminals start using drugs to keep themselves, up and doing, which leads to madness or depression. All these are degrading the future leaders.’
According to him, Cyber Crime is dangerous because, those into it need cultists to protect and help them recover funds or threaten their partners, if there is an inter account issue. “The boys also need excess drugs to keep the night due to the time difference with the foreigners.”
Ojobaro expressed satisfaction that the campaigns against criminals activities in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area are yielding positive results, as the youths are beginning to shun crime to engage in skills that would make them better future leaders.
He therefore commended tge efforts of CLEEN Foundation, TAG International and United Kingdom Home Office for sponsoring various skills for some Cyber Crime victims to enable them become useful to themselves, their families and the society.