The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has used social media influencer Adedamola Adewale, who is on trial in a N7.9 million fraud case, to sensitize the serving forces on the dangers of cybercrime.
Adewale popularly known as Adeherself was first arrested by the EFCC in June 2020 for alleged internet fraud in a raid.
A statement issued by the EFCC after the attack claimed that Adewale (Adeherself) confessed to being a "voter" in an online scam.
He was later charged with fraudulent possession of documents by the Migration Board.
In February 2023, the agency amended the charges and re-charged her with three counts of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretenses, attempt to obtain money, and withholding proceeds of crime. According to the EFCC.
Adewale and his accomplices tried to get $6,000 from one Joseph Rumoro on the pretext that the money was to buy his passport and visa and pay his taxes.
The commission also claimed that the Instagram influencer kept 7.9 million euros of proceeds from cybercrime in his bank account.
But in a shocking turn of events, the anti-corruption agency announced that the accused was now complicit in the anti-corruption war, prompting it to further demand that members of the force turn away from cybercrime.
In a post by the EFCC on the social media platform, X said Adewale (Adeherself) spoke during a sensitization program organized by the commission at the NYSC orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lakes.
The agency quoted her as saying, “There are unlimited opportunities on the Internet that you can exploit and use for financial improvement instead of committing fraud and crime. “As young adults, we sometimes overlook our wrongdoings and ignore the fact that the law of karma always applies.
"No matter where you go as a Nigerian youth, you will be branded a fraud or a criminal. Isn't that a serious concern? I believe you feel the same as I feel now.
"The same energy and intelligence that you put into defrauding innocent organizations and individuals can be used to explore ways to make money online, such as partnering with companies, participating in entrepreneurship, learning about e-commerce, making YouTube videos and making money.. Dollars are what you're trying to trick people with."
