By Olaide Ajibola and Helen Okechukwu, JKNMedia Reporters
CHAIRMAN of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has recounted a remarkable episode where a 17-year-old boy, while being questioned in his office in Lagos, managed to hack into his personal computer and bank account, raising significant concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
He made the disclosure to editor during a chat with editors at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
According to Olukoyede, the young hacker, who was studying History and Anthropology at an undisclosed institution, demonstrated remarkable skill in bypassing security measures of his locked computer.
Despite the stringent safeguards in place, the hacker effortlessly accessed Olukoyede’s bank verification number (BVN) and other sensitive account details.
He emphasized the importance of psychological and mental orientation for offenders, rather than punitive measures.
He expressed reluctance to subject minors to harsh penalties, recognizing the potential damage to their futures.
This incident served as a stark reminder of the potential risks posed by cybercrimes and the ease with which personal informal can be compromised.
In response to the incident, the EFCC chair, stressed the importance of discouraging such activities among young individuals. While acknowledging the severity of cybercrimes and the potential legal consequences, he advocated for a nuanced approach that prioritizes rehabilitation over strict punishment, particularly for youth offenders.
He proposed offering light sentences to young cybercriminals and focusing on reorienting them towards more constructive pursuits.
The EFCC chairman highlights the challenging circumstances faced by the 17-year-old hacker, who served as the primary breadwinner for his family due to his parents’ inability to work on their farm amidst security concerns.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Olukoyede expressed optimism about the young individual’s potential for positive change, pledging to support the hacker’s education on the condition that he ceased engaging in criminal activities.
He said this approach aligns with the EFCC’s broader strategy of rehabilitating convicted internet fraudsters by providing educational opportunities and offering reduced sentences, while stressing the importance of preventing youths from succumbing to the allure of cybercrime, and pressing on them the long-term consequences of being labelled an “ex-convict.”
Overall, the EFCC chairman shed further light on the intricate challenges associated with addressing cybercrimes among young individuals and stresses the agency’s commitment to tackling the nag through a multifaceted approach centered on rehabilitation and education.
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