The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned young Nigerian girls against sextortion, online blackmail and other cybercrime-related activities, cautioning them against allowing internet fraudsters to exploit their relationships and financial vulnerability.
The commission also warned young women against allowing internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, to use their bank accounts for illicit transactions, stressing that such involvement could expose them to criminal prosecution and imprisonment.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, gave the warning in Abuja on Monday at an event organised by the African Girl Guild to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The event was held under the theme, “Invest in Her, Empower Her and Let Her Lead.”
Olukoyede, who was represented by the Head of the commission’s Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Aisha Muhammed, said young girls must exercise caution in their relationships to avoid falling victim to sextortionists and other cybercriminals.
According to a statement shared by the commission on its X account, the EFCC chairman said some criminals exploit vulnerable moments in relationships to manipulate young women and extort money from them.
He urged girls to protect their dignity and uphold strong moral values, warning against individuals who could exploit their trust for financial gain.
“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.
The anti-graft agency boss also cautioned young women against participating in cybercrime, particularly allowing their bank accounts to be used for fraudulent transactions or engaging in online blackmail.
He said involvement in such activities went beyond individual criminal liability, arguing that it could damage Nigeria’s international reputation
He also advised them to cultivate disciplined spending habits, save part of their earnings and distinguish between essential needs and personal wants.
“As young girls, you must learn how to earn legally. Learn a skill, tech, tailoring, baking, content creation, coding. Not everything you earn is for squandering, save at least a certain percentage like 20%, know your needs and wants. Financial awareness is self-defence. Don’t let anyone use your account to commit fraud. That account in your name can take you to prison,” he said.
The EFCC chairman maintained that financial independence would enable young women to make informed decisions, resist manipulation and avoid compromising their values for material benefits.
He said an empowered girl should be educated, skilled and financially independent rather than depend on others for survival.
“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.
Olukoyede also disclosed that the commission had established Integrity Clubs and Zero Tolerance Clubs in schools across the country as part of efforts to promote ethical conduct and discourage young people from engaging in corruption and other criminal activities.
He urged the participants to become ambassadors of integrity in their schools and communities, stressing the importance of raising a generation committed to honesty, accountability and respect for the law.
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