EFCC Hires Social Media Influencer, Ade Herself, Arrested For Fraud To Sensitize Corps Members On Cybercrime

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has enlisted the services of social media influencer Adedamola Adewale, also known as Ade Herself, who is currently on trial for a N7.9 million fraud case.

Ade Herself, who was arrested by the EFCC in June 2020 during a raid for her alleged involvement in internet fraud, was asked to sensitize National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members about the risks associated with cybercrime.

KanyiDaily recalls that following her arrest in 2022, Adeherself confessed to being a participant in cyber fraud activities. She was subsequently charged with possession of fraudulent documents with intent to defraud.

In February 2023, the charges against Adeherself were amended, and she was re-arraigned on three counts, including conspiracy to obtain money by false pretenses, attempt to obtain money by false pretenses, and retention of proceeds of criminal conduct.

The EFCC alleged that she and her accomplices attempted to defraud an individual of $6,000 by falsely claiming it was for passport and visa procurement and tax payment.

The commission also claimed that Ade Herself retained N7.9 million in proceeds from cybercrime in her bank account.

In a surprising development, the EFCC said the defendant was now a stakeholder in the anti-graft war and further engaged her to admonish corps members to shun cybercrime.

The EFCC in a post shared via its Twitter page on Friday, September 1, said Ade Herself served as a speaker during a sensitization program organized by the commission at the NYSC orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.

During her session with the corps members, Adeherself, who is also a model, encouraged them to stay away from criminal activities and provided insights into achieving success as young adults through ethical internet usage.

The social media influencer emphasized that there are numerous legitimate opportunities on the internet for financial growth.

Adeherself stated, “There are boundless opportunities on the internet, which you can put to good use and harness for financial upgrades, rather than fraudulent activities and commission of crimes.

“As young adults, we sometimes overlook our wrongs and disregard the fact that the law of Karma will always prevail.”

Ade Herself further addressed the issue of youth involvement in cybercrime, expressing concern about the negative reputation it has given to Nigerian youths.

She urged the youth to channel their talents into constructive activities, emphasizing that technology offers various avenues for financial advancement without harming others.

She said: “Everywhere you go to as a Nigerian youth, you are stigmatized as a scammer or a criminal. Isn’t this a matter of grave concern? I believe you feel the same way as I feel right now.

“Nobody is saying that making money and having a financial upgrade through the internet is wrong, but when it is fraudulent and illegal, it could cost the victim pain, despair, and even death.

“Have you imagined yourself being a victim? Have you imagined your parents being the victims? Have you also imagined being swindled of your life savings by a total stranger? That must be unimaginable!”

She, therefore, enjoined the youth to deploy their talents to worthy activities, saying that “The same energy and smartness you put together to scam innocent organizations and persons can be put together to explore money-making opportunities online, such as partnering with companies, involving yourselves in entrepreneurship activities, learning internet trade, making YouTube videos and earning the same Dollars you struggle to scam people of.

“Technology has given us so many opportunities to achieve our goals without denying others their life-time happiness.

“You can be an online writer for producers, home and abroad; you can venture into YouTube contents and get paid directly; you can use your tech skills better by getting involved in cybersecurity; you can buy and sell through the internet and many more.

“I am able to achieve my acting goals and dreams as a comedian, thanks to the same internet. So, if I can, why can’t you?”

KanyiDaily recalls that after Ade Herself was granted bail in 2020, she was spotted in a video with Mompha who is also accused of money laundering and fraud by the EFCC.