The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Office, on Friday, August 30, 2019, took its enlightenment and sensitisation campaign on the ills of corruption and economic and financial crimes to New Benin Market, Benin City, Edo State capital.

Acting Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Magu, who was represented by Williams Oseghale, Head, Public Affairs Department, Benin Zonal Office, admonished the traders to shun internet fraud and other forms of criminality. He enjoined the market women and men to warn their children and wards of the danger of engaging in internet fraud as the Commission will continue to arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable.

He further enjoined them to be vigilant and circumspect so as not to fall victim to cyber criminals, saying: “You need to be alert. Don’t give your account details to people you don't trust. Don’t allow people use your account for illicit transactions.”

The traders, who were unanimous that internet fraud was evil, joined the EFCC in issuing red card to the malaise.

Comrade Lucky Orukpe, President, Traders’ Walfare Union of Nigeria, Benin Branch, commended the commission in its effort to rid the society of economic and financial crimes. He said the campaign has enlightened them on how to safeguard their businesses.

Magu has meanwhile charged the public to stop celebrating corrupt leaders and electing them into office.

He spoke through the Head, Economic Governance, Sanusi Aliyu Mohammed, at a town hall meeting organised by Dispute Resolution and Development Initiatives, formally known as Democratic Action Group, on the theme “Strengthening Citizens Resistance Against Prevalence of Corruption” (SCRAP-C).

While urging the public to desist from celebrating and electing corrupt people into public office, Magu added that fighting corruption shall not be left to government alone, the public and all stakeholders must come together and fight the menace.

He therefore called on Educationists, Community Leaders, NGOs and CSOs to take ownership of the fight against graft by educating the public against electing wrong people into public office.

The EFCC boss further blamed the challenges in the power, health and education sectors on corruption. He said without corruption, Nigerians didn’t have to go abroad for medical treatment or in search of good education.

Magu finally appreciates DAG for involving the EFCC in their activities and hoped for more synergy between the two bodies. “As an Anti Corruption Agency, EFCC loves and appreciates all efforts of individuals, groups, institutions like Dispute Resolution and Development Initiatives that always see the fight as better won with collaborative efforts and that’s why we always find time to honor invitations like this from you as friends. It is a popular saying, ‘show me your friend and I will tell you who you are’.

“It is hoped that our presence in your activities like this one encourages you as we align with your values. We share a lot in common, determination, selflessness, steadfastness, doggedness, fearlessness and perseverance,” he added.

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