The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its recent successful operation against a cybercrime syndicate.
In a statement signed by Bala Musa, its director of communication and media, the NOA described the feat as a clear signal that Nigeria would not condone criminal activities, regardless of the nationality of those involved.
Earlier in the week, the EFCC announced that it repatriated 51 foreign nationals who were convicted and sentenced for cyberterrorism and internet fraud.
The repatriated foreign nationals include 50 Chinese and one Tunisian, bringing the number of deported foreigners to 102 in the ongoing exercise that commenced on August 15.
Lanre Issa-Onilu, NOA director-general, said the development demonstrates Nigeria’s s resolve to uphold ethical standards and safeguard its integrity in the global community.
He stressed that Nigeria would not be a haven or dumping ground for cybercriminals, adding that security agencies remain vigilant and committed to bringing perpetrators to justice.
Issa-Onilu urged Nigerians and foreign nationals living in the country to respect local laws and avoid acts capable of undermining national security and moral values.
“Nigeria will not be a haven or dumping ground for criminal enterprises. The message is clear: cyber criminals, whether foreign nationals or citizens, must realise that our enforcement agencies are vigilant, equipped, and resolute in bringing perpetrators to justice,” Issa-Onilu said.
“As a sovereign nation committed to upholding ethical standards and the rule of law, we must safeguard our national integrity and reputation in the global community.”
The NOA boss also urged stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, schools, civil society groups and the media to reinforce ethical values and support government efforts in promoting integrity, patriotism and civic responsibility.
He added that the EFCC’s decisive action shows the importance of collective accountability and adherence to the rule of law in nation building.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
