The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has revealed how suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo Boys, stole more than N7.2 million from the bank account of a serving judge in a midnight cyberattack.

Olukoyede shared the incident during the public presentation of two books written by Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, describing it as a clear example of the growing threat posed by cybercrime in Nigeria.

Judge lost six years of savings overnight

According to the EFCC chairman, the judge, who serves in one of the South-South states, was awakened around 1 a.m. by multiple debit alerts showing that fraudsters had emptied her account.

He said the stolen N7.2 million represented six years of savings the judge had set aside to fund her child’s education.

Olukoyede disclosed that the judge immediately contacted him after discovering the withdrawals.

EFCC recovered the stolen money

The EFCC chairman said the commission quickly launched an investigation and successfully recovered the entire amount before 6 p.m. on the same day.

He added that the incident happened in a state where a court order had previously restricted the EFCC from investigating certain financial crimes.

According to Olukoyede, the judge later admitted that becoming a victim of cybercrime changed her perspective on the agency’s work.

“He added that if an application comes before that judge to stop the EFCC from carrying out its mandate, she will refuse it because she has become a victim,” he said.

Cybercrime remains a major concern

Olukoyede used the incident to stress the increasing sophistication of internet fraudsters and the need to strengthen efforts to combat cybercrime across the country.

He noted that cybercriminals continue to target Nigerians from all walks of life, including public officials and members of the judiciary.

The EFCC has not disclosed the identity of the judge, the specific South-South state involved or whether any suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has revealed how Yahoo boys (internet fraudsters) stole N7.2m from a judge’s bank account, prompting the judge to call him at 1am over the issue.

Speaking further, Olukoyede said he told the judge that the incident occurred in a state where the EFCC… pic.twitter.com/R0hEfx6StF

— Nigerian Affairs Journal (@NigAffairs) July 4, 2026