Have you ever thought a 17 years old could hack into a bank account? Well, buckle up because we are about to dive into a tale that is equal parts jaw dropping and hilarious.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, narrated an incident where a 17-year-old Wizkid, with an unusual hobby. While most teenagers his age were busy with video games or homework, this young man was hacking into the bank account of none other than the EFCC chairman.
The anti-graft agency chairman made this known in a chat with editors at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, last Tuesday. Olukoyede recounted inviting the 17-year-old for questioning at his own office, only to witness the young hacker effortlessly bypass the security measures of his locked computer right before his eyes.
Imagine being the head of an agency responsible for combating financial crimes and finding out a teenager just outsmarted your security measures. Its like finding out your guard dog was outwitted by a squirrel.
But, here is where it gets interesting; instead of reacting with anger or fear, Mr EFCC chairman responded with admiration for the young hacker’s impressive IT SKILL. He even went as far as to offer the Wizkid educational support. If he stopped his criminal activities. Now, this young hacker was not just doing this for kicks; he was oding it to make money to support his family. What a young bread winner.
The EFCC chairman, proposed light sentences and rehabilitation programs for young cyber criminals. Ironic right? The man whose bank account was hacked right in front of him, was advocating for leniency hackers.
According to the chairman, the country must take all necessary measures to discourage these young individuals, as their actions could lead to imprisonment or even fatal consequences.
“The problem is, I see crime in that, and I also see opportunities in it. So, if you leave these guys, we don’t make them know that what they are doing is wrong, if you leave them, they will continue to see it as a way of life to make money.”
He mentioned that due to their young ages, the EFCC would administer light sentences to punish youths for the cybercrimes they committed, while also focusing on helping them change their orientation.
“We plead for light sentences so that we can reorientate them and that’s part of what we’re doing. What joy will I derive from sending a 17-year-old boy to jail? You have destroyed his future. You have destroyed his career.
“Sometimes they give them options of fines and all of that conviction, so we bring them in, lecture them and talk to them.”
In a bold demonstration of his skills, the boy confidently informed Olukoyede that he could transfer up to 10 million naira from any account in a single transaction.
He said the 17-year-old boy, when he was done, said, “Look, oga, I can make 10 million now. I will demonstrate it to you. I will move money from your account to mine.
“I said no, don’t do that in my office and he was ready to do that. When he opened my laptop, I didn’t give him the key to my laptop and he had access.
When questioned about his involvement in cybercrime, the boy explained that his parents, who are both farmers, were unable to work on their farm due to security concerns.
“He has two younger ones. One is in JSS2 and the other is in SSS2. He is the one feeding his parents and responsible for the payment of tuition for his younger ones.
“I saw a Bill Gates in that guy.”
Olukoyede, however, assured the boy that he would take responsibility for his schooling if he was able to stop the criminal act. “I told my family, we are going to do that.
