EFCC cautions Nigerian girls over sextortion as cybercrime threats rise

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has warned young Nigerian girls about the growing threat of sextortion, urging them to be cautious in their relationships to avoid falling victim to criminals who exploit intimacy to extort money, Sahara Reporters reports.

Olukoyede, represented by Assistant Commander Aisha Muhammed, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at an African Girl Guild event marking the International Day of the Girl Child. “Girls need to be careful about relationships and not fall into the antics of criminals and sextortionists. Integrity in a relationship will safeguard you against such villains. A girl with integrity will always outlast a girl with only make-up. Your integrity is your crown. Do not sell it cheap,” he said.

He also cautioned girls against becoming accomplices to fraudsters by allowing their bank accounts to be used for illegal transactions or engaging in online blackmail, warning that such involvement could lead to prosecution and damage Nigeria’s international reputation. “Don’t let anyone use your account to commit fraud. That account in your name can take you to prison,” he said.

Olukoyede urged girls to acquire practical and digital skills, including coding, tailoring, baking and content creation, to build financial independence, noting the EFCC had established Integrity and Zero Tolerance Clubs in schools nationwide.

Speaking at the event, Denen Petronella of the African Girl Guild said empowering girls required providing education, mentorship and opportunities, announcing the launch of the AGG Camp Amani School Club as part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts.