The advent of technology has revolutionized the world, but it has also brought with it an alarming rise in cybercrime. From romance scams to email fraud and identity theft, cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and causing significant financial losses. According to the United Nations, cybercrime refers to any criminal activity that utilizes information and communication technology or targets computer networks. In Nigeria alone, businesses and individuals lose over $500 million annually due to cybercrime.
One particular form of cyber fraud that has gained traction in recent years in Nigeria is known as Yahoo-Yahoo. These fraudsters, often referred to as Yahoo Plus or G-boys, even seek metaphysical powers from herbalists to hypnotize and control their victims. Despite the efforts of the Nigerian government, businesses, and the international community to combat cybercrime through public awareness campaigns and anti-scam centers, the illicit activities continue unabated.
It is essential to acknowledge that individuals involved in cybercrime can potentially be rehabilitated and used as anti-cybercrime vigilantes to help fight against this menace. While cybercrime is unequivocally a criminal offense with no positive impact on society, the pervasive notion of Yahoo-Yahoo as a fashionable trend has given rise to a worrying increase in cybercriminals. Creating an anti-cybercrime hub could be an effective approach to combat all forms of cyber criminality.
Recent statistics indicate that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested numerous suspected cyber fraudsters across Nigeria. In the near future, it is likely that cybercriminals may constitute a significant proportion of inmates in correctional facilities. While it may sound unusual, it is worth considering that individuals involved in cybercrime often possess a high level of intelligence. Instead of merely punishing and incarcerating them, the law should be amended to leverage their skills and knowledge to fight against cybercrime.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) is responsible for the custody and reformation of offenders. With the introduction of appropriate facilities and strict supervision, inmates involved in cybercrime could be motivated to acquire skills in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotics. Their tech-savvy abilities could enable them to develop innovative solutions to counter cybercriminal activities. With robust security measures in place, these rehabilitated cybercriminals could help produce programs, design software, and code that prevent viruses, malware attacks, and hacking.
Furthermore, rehabilitated cybercriminals could play an essential role in educating the public about precautionary measures to protect themselves against cyber threats. They could share knowledge on safeguarding social security data, online accounts, bank accounts, and other sensitive information. By engaging in these activities, they would contribute to their own self-development while simultaneously progressing society as a whole.
While the government’s efforts in rehabilitating inmates are commendable, there is still room for improvement. The rehabilitation of repentant inmates involved in acts of terrorism, including Boko Haram and bandits, serves as a viable structure for ensuring offenders face appropriate punishment while simultaneously serving the interests of society. Reforming cybercriminals and training them to contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy would undoubtedly be a turning point for stakeholders and society as a whole.
In conclusion, it is crucial for entities such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the EFCC, the NCoS, and others to collaborate and establish a central platform to monitor the rehabilitation of cybercrime inmates. This will ensure that inmates do not exploit the process and instead utilize their technological skills to protect the system from further harm. By adhering to these guidelines, society can reap the benefits of transforming cybercriminals into valuable assets in the fight against cybercrime.
