The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned Nigerian girls against allowing internet fraudsters to use their bank accounts to move illicit funds, cautioning that anyone involved could face serious legal consequences, including imprisonment.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, gave the warning on Monday, October 12, 2026, during an event organised by the African Girl Guild in Abuja to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.
Olukoyede, who was represented by the Head of the Commission’s Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Aisha Muhammed, urged young women to reject cybercrime, sextortion and online blackmail.
He particularly cautioned girls against becoming account mules for internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, stressing that allowing criminals to use their bank accounts could expose them to prosecution.
“Don’t let anyone use your account to commit fraud. That account in your name can take you to prison,” he warned.
EFCC RAISES ALARM OVER SEXTORTION, ONLINE BLACKMAIL
The EFCC chairman also expressed concern over the growing risks of sextortion and online blackmail, advising young women to exercise caution in their relationships and avoid falling victim to individuals who exploit emotional vulnerability to extort money.
He urged girls to protect their dignity and integrity rather than engage in questionable activities for financial gain.
“Your integrity is your crown. Do not sell it cheap,” Olukoyede said.
He further warned that involvement in cybercrime, financial fraud or online blackmail not only constitutes a criminal offence but also damages Nigeria’s international reputation.
“If you engage in cybercrime; if you become an account mule for Yahoo boys; if you blackmail people online, you are not just committing a crime, you are destroying Nigeria’s image, the same Nigeria you will need for a lot of things,” he said.
EFCC ADVISES GIRLS TO ACQUIRE SKILLS, AVOID QUICK MONEY
To promote financial independence among young women, Olukoyede encouraged them to pursue legitimate sources of income, acquire practical skills and develop responsible financial habits instead of being lured into criminal activities by the promise of quick money.
He identified technology, tailoring, baking, content creation and coding as some of the skills young women could acquire to become financially independent.
The EFCC chairman also advised girls to cultivate a savings culture by setting aside at least 20 per cent of their earnings and learning to distinguish between their needs and wants.
“Financial awareness is self-defence,” he said.
According to him, financial independence would enable young women to make informed decisions, resist exploitation and avoid manipulation by individuals seeking to take advantage of their financial circumstances.
“An empowered girl is not waiting for someone to rescue her. She is educated; she is skilled; financially independent and because she is independent, nobody can buy her conscience,” he added.
EFCC URGES GIRLS TO BECOME AMBASSADORS OF INTEGRITY
The event, themed “Invest in Her, Empower Her and Let Her Lead,” also provided an opportunity for the EFCC chairman to encourage girls to become responsible citizens by reporting wrongdoing, volunteering and respecting the law.
Olukoyede disclosed that the Commission had established Integrity Clubs and Zero Tolerance Clubs in schools across the country to promote ethical conduct and discourage corrupt practices among young people.
He urged the participants to become ambassadors of integrity in their schools and communities by standing against fraud, rejecting criminal activities and encouraging their peers to uphold ethical values.
The EFCC reiterated the importance of empowering young women with education, practical skills and financial knowledge, stressing that such measures could help protect them from exploitation and discourage their involvement in cybercrime.