The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reacted to reports of offering a financial reward of ₦1 million for anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of an internet fraudster, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo.’
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Head, Media & Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren said the “clarification became necessary following phone calls by citizens wanting to cash in on notices in the social media by fraudsters promising a reward of One Million Naira for friends, family, and relatives of Yahoo Boys who hand them over to the EFCC.”
According to thr statement, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission wishes to inform the general public that it has not issued any notice in the social media promising financial reward for anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of a Yahoo Boy.
“This clarification became necessary following phone calls by citizens wanting to cash in on notices in the social media by fraudsters promising a reward of One Million Naira (N1,000,000) for friends, family and relatives of yahoo boys who hand them over to the EFCC.
“The promo with #Efcc and #beagoodcitizen states, “If you have a Yahoo Yahoo boy as Family, Friend or Relative, Kindly hand them over to us, and get a Massive reward of 1million naira.”
“The Commission wishes to state that this message is alien to the EFCC, and members of the public are enjoined to disregard them.
“Promoters of the hashtags are currently under surveillance and every efforts will be made to bring them to justice.
“While the Commission welcomes information that could lead to the arrest of cybercrime suspects, it has no policy of financial reward for such informants.
“The fight against corruption and other forms of economic crime is a patriotic duty and Nigerians are encouraged to embrace it with altruism.
“The whistle blower policy of the Federal Government which the Commission is among the agencies saddled with its implementation, is applicable only to public sector corruption.
“The public is warned that, the Commission will not be responsible for anyone who falls for this obvious scam.”
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