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Nigeria lost more than $500m to cybercrime in one year — EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says Nigeria lost more than 500 million dollars to cybercrime in 2022, warning that if unchecked, the current cybercrime wave portended a grave danger.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2024 National Cybersecurity Summit with the theme: “Alternatives to Cybercrimes; Optimizing Cyber Skills for National Development.”
The event was organised by EFCC with the support of the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC-Phase II) Programme of the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
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“Projections by multiple sources show that the global loss to cybercrimes may reach a staggering 10.5 trillion dollars.
“As a matter of fact, the research I did earlier this year confirmed that cybercrime has become the third largest GDP in the world with approximately 2,328 cases occurring daily.
“The implication of all this is that if left unchecked, cybercrimes portend grave dangers to the entire world.
“Bringing it to Nigeria, in 2022 alone, Nigeria lost over 500 million dollars to cybercrime,” he said.
Olukoyede said cybercrime accounted for a significant percentage of the convictions recorded by the agency since his one year in office as the chairman of the EFCC.
“These are the realities stalking the commission’s fight against these crimes.
“Cybercrime accounts for a significant percentage of the 3,455 convictions recorded by EFCC in my one year as the Executive Chairman of EFCC,” he said.
He, however, said there were plans to re-channel the energies of young people, who are mostly perpetrators of cybercrime.
“First, there is an alternative of creative and innovative development of socially beneficial applications that can deliver better prospects than internet fraud.
“Today’s event is tailored towards exposing young Nigerians with strong tech skills to the opportunities that abound in various industries and sectors for legitimate wealth, creation, and honest livelihood.
“These opportunities can be found in the creative industry, tech, ecosystem, financial services sector, medical services, and even law enforcement, your lens,” he said.
According to him, the fight against cybercrime is a collective one that cannot be left alone for the EFCC.
The EFCC chairman stressed the importance of engaging state governors in tackling cybercrime at all levels.
”This time around, we are not only interrogating the problems, we are aggregating workable solutions to it.
“What alternative do we have for our youth?
“And that’s where it has become imperative to bring the state governors so that as we are tackling it at the federal level, sub-nationals will also have a role to play.
“The enormity of challenges posed to us as individuals and as a country by cybercrimes are grievous as individuals,” he said.
Olukoyede noted that youth involvement in cybercrime was distorting and corrupting acceptable family values.
“The tendency towards quick riches no longer positions our young people for enterprise, resourceful intellectual aspirations and technological innovations,” he said.
Also speaking, the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, said it was imperative to involve stakeholders to win the war against cybersecurity in the country.
She said that cybercrime was not just a crime against individuals or businesses but an assault on collective integrity, nation’s economic stability and the future of the youth.
She expressed concern over the alarming rates of youth involvement in cybercrime and urged parents to guide their children appropriately by inculcating good values, morals and sense of patriotism in them.
The Head of Programme, International IDEA, Mr Danladi Plang, called for a rethink of the traditional approach of arrest, trial, conviction and imprisonment in fighting crime.
He said that this could be done by focusing on other ways of channelling the energies of youth and their skills in the use of technology.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
The Ghana Police Service has announced that Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, who was kidnapped has been rescued.
The Police said the victim is currently reunited with her family.
“The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate, Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.” The Police said in a statement.
According to the Police, a team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family to ensure that everything is in a perfect condition and assured the family and the general public that the suspect will be arrested and face the law
“Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.” Part of the statement read.
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The victim was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown men on Thursday ,November 21, 2024 night.
Below is the full statement:
KIDNAPPED VICTIM, SYLVIA PATIENCE BAAH RESCUED
The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.
The Police are currently continuing the search for the suspects behind this incident and we want to assure the public that we will surely bring them to face justice.
We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who gave us pieces of information in the course of our rescue operations in particular and the public in general for their support and cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.
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