From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Nigerians, particularly residents of Gombe State, to join the Commission’s fight against growing trend of investment fraud, ponzi schemes, and virtual asset-related scams.
The appeal was made by the Gombe Zonal Director of the EFCC, Mr Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, who spoke on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, during a public lecture commemorating the 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day. The event, held in Gombe on Thursday, was themed: “Understanding Virtual Assets and Investment Fraud.”
He emphasized the urgent need for public involvement in identifying and reporting fraudulent investment operations that continue to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians. He noted that the EFCC alone cannot effectively curb the threat without community cooperation and vigilance.
He stressed that virtual assets like cryptocurrencies and digital tokens, while legitimate, are being misused in investment scams and illegal financial transactions. The EFCC boss cited the Commission’s breakthrough in investigating the infamous CBEX investment scam as a testament to its growing capability in combating such crimes.
According to him, Ponzi schemes remain the most pervasive form of investment fraud, preying on the desperation and ignorance of many investors. He urged the public to exercise due diligence before committing to any investment opportunity.
“The CBEX saga showed how negligence and failure to report suspicious activities contribute to the success of fraudulent schemes,” he stated, adding that awareness and proactive reporting are critical in preventing future losses.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to public engagement and education in the fight against financial crimes, emphasizing that “adequate knowledge is the ultimate escape route” from fraud.
In their separate remaks, representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Gombe state Network of Civil Society Organizations (GONET), commended the anti graft agency in its fight against corruption, urging the agency to do more in cracking down fraud especially growing trend of cybercrime.
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