ICYMI: 17-Year-Old Wows EFCC Chairman with Cyber Skills

By Milcah Tanimu

During a conversation with editors at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, Chairman Ola Olukoyede shared a remarkable encounter involving a 17-year-old hacker who stunned him with his IT prowess.

Olukoyede recounted how the teenager, a History and Anthropology student, effortlessly breached the security of his personal computer and bank account while under interrogation at the EFCC’s Lagos office. The young hacker demonstrated his skills by retrieving Olukoyede’s BVN and mentioning his bank account number, all without prior disclosure from the chairman.

Expressing concern over the implications of such cybercrimes, Olukoyede emphasized the need to deter young individuals from engaging in illicit activities. Despite the gravity of their actions, he advocated for leniency in sentencing, aiming to redirect their focus and prevent irreversible damage to their futures.

In a remarkable display of his capabilities, the teenager confidently informed Olukoyede of his ability to transfer up to 10 million naira in a single transaction. However, Olukoyede intervened before any such action took place.

The boy, hailing from a family of farmers, cited economic challenges as a driving force behind his involvement in cybercrime. Moved by his circumstances, Olukoyede pledged support for the teenager’s education, recognizing his potential for a brighter future beyond criminal activities.

This incident underscores the EFCC’s multifaceted approach to addressing cybercrime, emphasizing rehabilitation and education alongside legal measures. Olukoyede’s commitment to providing opportunities for youth like the teenage hacker reflects a broader strategy aimed at nurturing talent and preventing recidivism within the digital landscape.