EFCC promises more synergy with media, CSOs on cryptocurrency fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it plans to deepen its synergy with the media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to tackle economic and financial crimes, especially cryptocurrency fraud and other cyber-criminal activities.
The EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede said this at a one-day sensitization workshop for CSOs and the media, at the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate on Thursday.
Olukoyede, represented by the EFCC Acting Zonal Director, Kano Zonal Directorate,Mr Sa’ad Hanafi, said the action was necessary because the fight against corruption is not a solo mission noting that it is a collective national endeavour that requires synergy, trust, and shared intelligence.
“The aim to achieve from this workshop is to build and deepen a stronger, more collaborative relationship between the EFCC and your esteemed organizations. Our fight against corruption is not a solo mission; it is a collective national endeavour that requires synergy, trust, and shared intelligence,” he said.
He said the choice of CSOs and journalists was both deliberate and strategic as they were not merely observers in the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria.
“You are critical drivers of change. CSOs serve as the conscience of the society and a vital bridge between the government and the citizenry. Journalists, on the other hand, wield the powerful pen that shapes public opinion, holds power accountable, and illuminates the dark corners where corruption often thrives.Together, you are indispensable allies in the fight to safeguard our economy and our collective future,” he said.
He said the workshop aimed to educate and inform participants on understanding cryptocurrency fraud and other emerging cyber and financial crimes as well as to provide crucial guidance on the intricacies of prosecuting financial crimes–challenges we face and how to come together and find a better way forward to rid Nigeria of economic and financial crimes including corruption.
He said that the world was witnessing a dramatic shift from traditional schemes to sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud, hence the need to enlighten participants on the burgeoning threats of cryptocurrency fraud and other cyber-criminal activities.
He added that the workshop was also designed to enhance the understanding of CSOs and journalists on the legal and procedural intricacies of prosecuting financial crimes.
“The workshop will also go a long way in fostering a strategic partnership between the EFCC, CSOs, and the media in promoting a preventative and citizen-driven approach to combating corruption, “ he added.
He said that there was need to enlighten the participants on the world of emerging threats, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, equipping you with the knowledge to understand and report on these modern crimes
