The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, has shared how a 17-year-old internet fraudster managed to hack his BVN and bank account details using his mobile number.
In a video addressing stakeholders, Olukoyede recounted the incident, revealing that the teenager, a 200 level history student, was brought to his Lagos office by EFCC operatives for interrogation.
In his curiosity, the EFCC boss asked the suspect to demonstrate how he swindled money from people online.
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To his amazement, the boy was able to access Olukoyede’s BVN and even mentioned his account number and bank name without any prior information from the EFCC chairman.
Despite the criminal nature of the boy’s actions, Olukoyede expressed admiration for his impressive IT skills, especially considering his non-science educational background.
While acknowledging the gravity of cybercrimes, Olukoyede, highlighted the potentials in the young boy’s abilities. He suggested that with proper guidance and orientation, the teenager could become a valuable national asset.
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This revelation comes amidst alarming statistics on cybercrimes in Nigeria.
According to the EFCC chairman, Nigeria loses approximately $500 million annually to cybercrimes, with banks alone suffering a loss of ₦8 billion in 2022, as reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).