The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Nigerian journalists, hotel owners, and bank compliance officers to intensify efforts in combating corruption and economic crimes in the country.
Addressing journalists during a visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Benin City, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC Executive Chairman, emphasized the crucial role of the media in educating the public about corruption issues. He urged journalists to deepen their reportage on corruption and collaborate with the EFCC in eradicating graft.
Olukoyede stated, “The essence of the visit is to appreciate your efforts and to solicit for more cooperation and collaboration. We must come together to stop corruption. I want you to be available. The time has come for us to take up the gauntlet to fight corruption.”
In a separate engagement with hotel owners in Edo and Delta States, Olukoyede urged them to prevent their establishments from becoming havens for criminal activities like internet fraud. He warned of potential prosecution for property owners who allow their premises to be used for criminal activities.
“We need you to collectively fight Yahoo Yahoo. They are a menace to our society. Drive them away from your hotels. Don’t allow them to use your hotels to defraud innocent people,” he asserted.
Additionally, during a meeting with bank compliance officers, Olukoyede stressed the importance of adhering to banking regulations and conducting due diligence. He emphasized the critical role of banks in combating money laundering and other financial crimes, urging compliance officers to know their customers thoroughly.
“We advise that, as bankers, you carry out due diligence and Know Your Customers, KYC. By doing this, you save yourselves from trouble and make our job easier,” Olukoyede remarked.