EFCC Employs Social Media Influencer on Trial for Fraud to Educate Corps Members on Cybercrime
In a surprising move, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has enlisted the services of a social media influencer, Adedamola Adewale, who is currently facing a N7.9 million fraud case, to raise awareness among National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members about the perils of cybercrime.
Adewale, widely recognized as Adeherself, was initially apprehended by the EFCC in June 2020 as part of an internet fraud crackdown. Following her arrest, a statement released by the EFCC revealed that Adewale had confessed to engaging in cyber fraud activities.
Subsequently, the anti-graft agency filed a one-count charge against her, accusing her of possessing fraudulent documents with the intent to defraud. However, in February 2023, the EFCC updated the charges, re-arraigning her on a three-count indictment that included conspiracy to obtain money by false pretenses, attempting to acquire money by false pretenses, and retaining proceeds from criminal conduct.
The EFCC asserted that Adewale and her associates had attempted to obtain $6,000 from Mr. Joseph Rumoro under the pretext of using the funds for passport and visa procurement, as well as tax payments.
Furthermore, the commission alleged that the Instagram influencer had retained the substantial sum of N7.9 million from cybercrime activities in her bank account.
In a startling twist, the anti-graft agency has now portrayed the defendant as a contributor to the fight against corruption. They have engaged her to deliver lectures to NYSC members, advising them to refrain from engaging in cybercrime.
The EFCC made this announcement via their social media platform, X, disclosing that Adewale (Adeherself) served as a speaker during a sensitization program held at the NYSC orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.
In her address to the corps members, Adewale stated, “There are boundless opportunities on the internet, which you can put to good use and harness for financial upgrades, rather than fraudulent activities and commission of crimes. As young adults, we sometimes overlook our wrongs and disregard the fact that the law of Karma will always prevail.”
She continued, “Everywhere you go as a Nigerian youth, you are stigmatized as a scammer or a criminal. Isn’t this a matter of grave concern? I believe you feel the same way as I feel right now. The same energy and smartness you put together to scam innocent organizations and persons can be put together to explore money-making opportunities online, such as partnering with companies, involving yourselves in entrepreneurship activities, learning internet trade, making YouTube videos, and earning the same Dollars you struggle to scam people of.”
This move by the EFCC has raised eyebrows and sparked debates about the appropriate role of individuals with prior criminal involvement in educating the youth about the consequences of their actions. Adewale’s transition from accused to advocate has certainly generated significant attention and discussion.
