The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully secured convictions for 146 out of 194 foreign nationals apprehended in connection with cyberattacks linked to financial crimes in Nigeria.E
FCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, made this known on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the International Cybersecurity Conference, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel and organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
“Last year, we arrested about 194 foreigners who were involved in various forms of financial crimes and activities that are inimical to the economic growth and development of our country.
“Today, I can tell you that we have succeeded in the prosecution and conviction of 146 of them. They will serve their jail terms and will be repatriated to their respective countries, ” Olukoyede said.
He explained that most of the convicted foreigners had assumed stolen Nigerian identities to defraud unsuspecting individuals and institutions within the country, leading to the wrongful accusation of Nigerians for crimes they did not commit.
According to the EFCC Chairman, the 146 convicted foreigners will serve their prison sentences in Nigeria before being repatriated to their home countries. He commended international partners, including the FBI, Interpol, and other global security agencies, for their collaboration in ensuring the successful prosecution of cybercriminals.
Olukoyede also revealed that the EFCC is set to inaugurate a Cybersecurity Centre at its headquarters, equipped to detect and respond to cyberattacks within one hour. He emphasized that cybercrime, particularly those linked to financial fraud, is becoming increasingly sophisticated and coordinated worldwide.
He further stressed the urgent need for greater collaboration among security agencies, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies to effectively tackle the threat. To this end, he announced that the EFCC will soon commission a 500-capacity Research Centre dedicated to the rehabilitation and reformation of convicted cybercriminals.
The conference is being attended by several key figures, including the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaibu Salihu; Chairman of the House Committee on Cybersecurity, Mr. Stanley Adedeji; U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richards Mills; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu, among others.
