The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-East Zone, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic killing of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operative, Aminu Sahabi Salisu. Salisu, an Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC (ASE II), was reportedly shot and killed in cold blood by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, during an official duty in Awka on January 17, 2025.
During a condolence visit to the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, on January 24, 2025, a delegation of South-East students, led by Comrade Charles Obinna Ijeomah, conveyed their heartfelt sympathies. The students acknowledged the loss as a significant blow to the Commission and pledged their unwavering support in ensuring such an incident never occurs again.
Students Condemn Crime, Assure EFCC of Collaboration
In his address, Ijeomah reassured the EFCC of the students’ commitment to fighting cybercrime and promoting ethical conduct among young people in the region. He emphasized that it was the responsibility of student leaders to guide and sensitize their peers against engaging in internet fraud and other criminal activities.
“We are very sorry for the incident that happened in Awka. We condemned it outrightly,” Ijeomah stated. “An operative was shot in the line of duty, and as leaders, we cannot stand by and watch things go wrong. Such acts are not in our nature. We are hardworking people, and anyone engaging in fraud does not represent the true Igbo spirit.” He further assured the EFCC that the association would intensify efforts to educate students against internet-related crimes.
Commitment to Strengthening Anti-Crime Awareness in Campuses
Ijeomah revealed that NANS South-East had developed programs aimed at strengthening anti-crime awareness and bridging the gap between students and law enforcement agencies. He proposed a partnership with the EFCC to introduce sensitization campaigns across university campuses in the region.
“We are here to tell you that the students of the South-East are with you, and we are open to collaboration,” he said. “We will work with the EFCC to educate our students, ensuring they do not fall into cybercrime. This incident must never happen again, and we will do our best to prevent it.” He further disclosed plans to visit the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Command to reinforce their commitment and show solidarity with the Commission.
NANS Calls for EFCC Presence in South-East Schools
To strengthen efforts against internet fraud, the students’ union proposed an increased EFCC presence on campuses across the South-East. Ijeomah stated that involving the EFCC in student-oriented programs would serve as a proactive measure in tackling financial crimes among youths.
“This is an opportunity for the EFCC to engage directly with students. We will welcome you with open arms,” he added. “By collaborating, we can prevent internet crime at its roots and ensure that students channel their intelligence and skills into legitimate ventures.” He assured the EFCC that NANS South-East was committed to creating a crime-free student environment through education, advocacy, and continuous engagement with law enforcement agencies.
The EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, acknowledged the students’ visit and appreciated their commitment to supporting the Commission’s anti-corruption mandate. The meeting ended with assurances of continued collaboration to curb internet fraud and ensure a safer academic environment in the South-East region.
EFCC Calls for Student Involvement in Anti-Corruption Campaign
The Commission Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Muhammad Hammajoda, has commended students for their commitment to the fight against corruption. Speaking while receiving a delegation of student leaders on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Hammajoda expressed appreciation for their condolence visit and interest in the Commission’s activities. He emphasized that every Nigerian is a stakeholder in the fight against corruption, either directly or indirectly.
“We don’t have any other country apart from Nigeria. You spent your personal money and time to be with us to understand what we are doing and to also be part of us. We appreciate you and will continue to appreciate you. We will support you in trying to disseminate anti-corruption information,” Hammajoda stated.
He encouraged the students to take full advantage of the federal government’s Student Loan Scheme, assuring them that the EFCC would always identify with their noble programs if invited. “We will be there for you in all the programs that you outlined. Please give us an invitation. We will be there. We will be there to be part of you,” he reiterated.
EFCC Warns Against Rising Cybercrime Among Youths
Hammajoda also urged students to intensify their efforts in discouraging their peers from engaging in cybercrime, warning that internet fraud is damaging Nigeria’s reputation globally. “We are sinking day by day with corruption. So let’s educate ourselves that this cybercrime will not take you anywhere. All of us are victims. Nobody has protection against it. Anyone can be attacked. We have a very sound youth population with a very high IQ and ingenuity to do many things,” he said.
The Chief of Staff to the EFCC Chairman, CE Michael Nzekwe, echoed these concerns, stating that cybercrime has severely tarnished Nigeria’s global image. “Cybercrime has done too much damage to us as a country. If you check and find out how much it has affected us, you’ll be shocked. Internationally, the image of the country has been battered. When you travel outside the country, they look at you in a certain way with your green passport,” Nzekwe lamented.
He urged students to be proactive in eliminating cybercrime, adding that the EFCC is committed to tackling financial crimes at all levels. “We all have to put our hands together and be deliberate and intentional in ensuring that cybercrime is eliminated,” he emphasized.
EFCC Highlights Federal Government Credit Scheme for Students
Beyond anti-corruption advocacy, Nzekwe reminded students of the financial opportunities available through the federal government’s Credit Scheme. He encouraged them to explore this initiative as a means of supporting their educational and personal development needs. “There is also the credit scheme that is available for students that this government has put in place. So take that as a message to your students that they can access this fund, and the issue of poverty will not even arise,” he advised.
However, he expressed concern over the rising trend of cybercrime in the Southeast, warning that it has evolved into more dangerous forms. “You said that in the Southeast, you are hardworking people and traders, but can I be honest with you? The level of yahoo yahoo (internet fraud) in the Southeast and other cybercrimes has skyrocketed. It has not just skyrocketed; it has gotten to the level they call yahoo plus. They have become ritualists and kidnappers,” Nzekwe warned.
He condemned violent attacks against EFCC operatives, reaffirming the Commission’s stance against financial crimes. “Why would you have a gun in the house and open fire on someone on legitimate duty? We are glad that you realized that this is wrong. We have said it very clearly and with a strong voice that EFCC will not condone or tolerate such actions from anybody, whoever the person is. Never again,” he declared
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