Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has noted that the phenomenon called Yahoo-Yahoo, a variant of cybercrime and easily identified with Nigerians, is seriously and gradually destroying any left positive image Nigeria has and that concerted efforts by everyone was needed to stem the ugly trend.

Magu spoke Wednesday during a press conference in Enugu in respect of EFCC’s fight against cybercrime, its collaboration with the United State Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other activities of the commission in the zone from January 2019 till date.

He was represented by the Zonal Head of the Commission, Usman Imam, who reeled out achievements of the zone which included the securing of 66 convictions, recovery of N213,850,230 and $10,600 several buildings and vehicles from January till date.

“Yes, with the high rate of cybercrime and indeed other forms of corruption in the country, no one needs reminding us we have serious troubles to contend with and there is no time to tackle it other than now. Now is the time to reclaim and rebuild Nigeria, now is the time to say no to all the negative things that have made us a laughing stock among the comity of nations. Tomorrow may be too late, with corruption a better tomorrow is unfortunately a mirage,” he stated.

The EFCC boss further disclosed that the zone has also secured the interim forfeiture order of 47 exotic cars owned by Yahoo-Yahoo fraudsters, a 16 block cum, 96 flats and bungalow multi-million naira estate/hotel, 2 schools, 1 shopping plaza, 1 supermarket complex, all allegedly belonging to the former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha and his family members and 1 ultra-modern hospital suspected to owned by one of his former aides.

Other properties awaiting interim forfeiture but for the court recess, according to Magu, include a twin 3-storey building with a 3 bedroom bungalow and a duplex in Enugu.

“Here in Enugu Zonal Office, our operations against cybercrimes which necessitated many raids in Enugu, Anambra and Imo so far, usually follows petitions and intelligence reports from individuals, our operatives, and in some cases, other sister law enforcement agencies,” he said.

Magu also called on parents, the clergy and traditional rulers to take their God-given responsibilities of not only inculcating on the young ones those positive values that Nigerians were known for in the past but also to resist the temptation of eulogising criminals and enjoying their ill-gotten wealth.

•EFCC Enugu Zonal Head, Usman Imam, flanked by some colleagues, addressing the media on Wednesday

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