Whatever we do, if it is not properly reported to the populace in the form of education and crime deterrence, we will not be able to go further
By Mmesoma Onwuka
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, has called for stronger collaboration with the media to enhance public awareness and strengthen the fight against economic and financial crimes.
The Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE1), Friday S. Ebelo, made the call on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, when he received the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matashiya TV, Abubakar Murtala Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to his office in Kano.
Ebelo, who spoke on behalf of the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, described the media as a critical stakeholder in the Commission’s efforts to investigate, prevent and prosecute economic and financial crimes.
He said achieving a Nigeria free from economic and financial crimes would require the active support of the media, particularly in educating citizens and deterring potential offenders.
“Whatever we do, if it is not properly reported to the populace in the form of education and crime deterrence, we will not be able to go further. The media is a core partner in progress,” he said.
The zonal director explained that the Commission’s Public Affairs Department had, from its inception, coordinated its engagement with the media and other stakeholders.
He said the visit by the Matashiya TV management provided an opportunity to strengthen the existing relationship and explore areas of mutual cooperation.
According to Ebelo, the EFCC’s mandate covers a broad range of offences, including cybercrime, fraud, money laundering, public sector corruption and economic sabotage.
He stressed that effective communication of the Commission’s activities was essential to educating the public, particularly young Nigerians, on the consequences of economic and financial crimes.
Matashiya TV Seeks EFCC Partnership
Earlier, the Chairman and CEO of Matashiya TV, Abubakar Murtala Ibrahim, expressed the organisation’s readiness to establish a sustainable partnership with the EFCC.
Ibrahim said the media platform was focused on journalism, community development and youth empowerment and had trained more than 3,000 young people in various professional skills.
He explained that Matashiya TV had also developed programmes aimed at educating youths and discouraging them from engaging in cybercrime and related acts of violence.
“We have ideas and programmes to enlighten the people, especially the youth, because we believe this will reduce their engagement in cybercrime and related violence,” he said.
Ibrahim subsequently sought the EFCC’s partnership in implementing the programmes and expanding their impact.
The meeting ended with both organisations expressing their commitment to developing a stronger working relationship to promote public enlightenment, youth engagement and the fight against economic and financial crimes in Kano State and beyond.