• Thu. Feb 13th, 2025

PSFU Engages Ogun State Student Union Leaders on Cybercrime, Lawful Conduct

The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Lagos, led by Commissioner of Police Godwin Ayotunde Omodeinde, hosted leaders from the Ogun State chapters of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Association of Southern Nigerian Students (ASONIS), and the Gateway Polytechnic Students’ Union Government (SUG) on January 16, 2025.

The dialogue followed the recent arrest of 14 individuals, aged 18 to 28, in Saapade, Ogun State, suspected of being members of an internet fraud syndicate operating in Lagos and Ogun States. Among the suspects were eight Gateway Polytechnic students, four NYSC corps members, and two others, who claimed to be an artist and a cobbler.

During the engagement, CP Omodeinde highlighted the importance of sustained synergy between student leaders and law enforcement. He urged the unions to remain steadfast in their mandate to protect the welfare of their members while ensuring that individuals involved in illegal activities are not shielded but handed over to the authorities.

“The union leadership must discourage cybercrime and other related vices among their members,” CP Omodeinde stated, emphasizing that such crimes tarnish Nigeria’s global image and hinder its removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

CP Omodeinde explained the adverse effects of Nigeria’s FATF status, which include:
– Reduced foreign investment
– Increased transaction costs
– Regulatory scrutiny
– Loss of revenue
– Hindered cross-border transactions
– Undermined financial markets

He encouraged the unions to educate their members on the broader implications of cybercrime and its economic and reputational damage to the nation.

The student union leaders expressed appreciation for CP Omodeinde’s leadership, diplomacy, and fairness. They acknowledged that the engagement would strengthen the relationship and mutual understanding between the police and the student community.

The PSFU reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining robust collaboration with law-abiding students while ensuring that criminal activities are addressed decisively.

Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor

Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor is a seasoned journalist and the CEO/Founder Belch Digital Communications, publishers of Hybrid News Nigeria.

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