The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged young Nigerian girls to protect themselves against sextortion and avoid involvement in cybercrime, warning that such activities could expose them to exploitation and criminal prosecution.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede gave the warning in Abuja on Monday, October 12, 2026, during an event organised by the African Girl Guild to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.
The chairman, who was represented by the Head of the commission’s Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC Aisha Muhammed, cautioned young women against criminals who exploit personal relationships to extort money.
The event was held under the theme, “Invest in Her, Empower Her and Let Her Lead.”
According to a statement shared by the EFCC on X, Olukoyede advised girls to exercise caution in their relationships and avoid falling victim to sextortionists.
“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.
The EFCC chairman also warned against participation in internet fraud, particularly the use of personal bank accounts to receive or transfer money for cybercriminals.
He cautioned young women against serving as account mules for internet fraudsters or engaging in online blackmail, stressing that such conduct could have consequences beyond the individuals involved.
“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.
The commission’s warning highlights the risks young people face when criminals use intimate relationships, private images or financial transactions to manipulate and exploit them.
Sextortion typically involves threatening to release intimate images or sensitive information unless a victim pays money or meets other demands. Young people are advised to avoid sharing intimate material with untrusted individuals and to seek help if they face threats or blackmail.
The EFCC urged young girls to safeguard their integrity and stay away from cybercrime, while encouraging them to make responsible decisions that protect their future.
