Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has issued a strong advisory to young Nigerian girls, urging them to steer clear of sextortion, online blackmail, and various cyber-enabled crimes while stressing the need to safeguard their integrity against the schemes of internet fraudsters.
Olukoyede gave the warning in Abuja on Monday, October 12, 2026, during an event organised by the African Girl Guild (AGG) to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, with the theme, “Invest in Her, Empower Her and Let Her Lead”.
Represented by the Head of the EFCC’s Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, Assistant Commander Aisha Muhammed, the EFCC chairman said perpetrators of sextortion exploit the vulnerability of young women to extort money from them.
He urged girls to exercise caution in their relationships and resist the tactics of criminals who use intimate images or personal information to threaten and blackmail their victims.
“Girls need to be careful about relationships and not fall into the antics of criminals and sextortionists. Integrity in a relationship will safeguard you against such villains. A girl with integrity will always outlast a girl with only make-up. Your integrity is your crown. Do not sell it cheap,” he said.
Olukoyede also cautioned young girls against participating in cybercrime, including allowing internet fraudsters to use their bank accounts to receive or transfer illicit funds.
“If you engage in cybercrime; if you become an account mule for Yahoo boys; if you blackmail people online, you are not just committing a crime, you are destroying Nigeria’s image, the same Nigeria you will need for a lot of things,” he said.
He urged the girls to become responsible citizens by reporting wrongdoing, respecting the law and contributing positively to national development.
The EFCC chairman encouraged them to acquire practical skills in technology, tailoring, baking, content creation and coding, stressing the importance of lawful earnings and financial discipline.
He advised the girls to save at least 20 per cent of their earnings, distinguish between needs and wants, and never allow anyone to use their bank accounts for fraudulent activities.
“Financial awareness is self-defence. Don’t let anyone use your account to commit fraud. That account in your name can take you to prison,” he warned.
Olukoyede said financial independence would empower girls to make informed decisions and resist manipulation, adding that the EFCC had established Integrity Clubs and Zero Tolerance Clubs in schools across Nigeria to promote ethical values among young people.
“An empowered girl is not waiting for someone to rescue her, she is educated; she is skilled; financially independent and because she is independent, nobody can buy her conscience,” he said.
He urged the students to become ambassadors of integrity in their schools and communities.
Speaking at the event, Denen Petronella, Executive Assistant to Jindu Peter, founder of the African Girl Guide, said investing in the girl child required providing confidence, knowledge, skills, protection, mentorship and opportunities for girls to realise their potential.
“At African Girl Guide, we believe a girl should not only be prepared for her future; she should be given the confidence, support and opportunities to help shape it. She learns; she leads; she thrives,” Petronella said.
She added that empowering girls required more than encouraging them to succeed, stressing the need to establish support systems that would enable them to achieve their ambitions.
As part of the organisation’s commitment to girls’ empowerment, the launch of the AGG Camp Amani School Club was announced.
Petronella said the club would provide a platform for girls to develop leadership and life skills, build confidence and explore opportunities throughout the school year.
Representatives of government ministries, departments and agencies, educational institutions, as well as students from secondary schools across Abuja, attended the event.
What You Should Know
The EFCC is sounding the alarm for young women regarding the increasing dangers of digital exploitation and the importance of financial vigilance. During an event for the International Day of the Girl Child, the commission emphasized that personal integrity and financial independence are the strongest defenses against criminals who use intimate images or personal bank accounts for illegal activities.
- Positive Impact: By promoting financial literacy and technical skills like coding and content creation, the initiative empowers girls to make informed decisions and resist financial manipulation.
- Potential Risks: Young people who allow their bank accounts to be used by ‘Yahoo boys’ (account muling) or participate in online blackmail face severe legal consequences, including criminal records and imprisonment.
