By Stella Odueme
Abuja —
ActionAid Nigeria has strongly condemned what it described as a “reckless and unsubstantiated” claim attributed to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, alleging that six in ten Nigerian students are involved in cybercrime.
In a statement released on Friday, the organisation said the assertion was sweeping, dangerous, and unsupported by verifiable evidence, warning that it unfairly criminalises millions of law-abiding Nigerian youths.
AAN noted that the claim, which suggests that about 60 per cent of Nigerian students are engaged in criminal activities, was made without credible data, transparent methodology, or publicly available research findings.
“Public office holders, particularly those entrusted with upholding justice and integrity, must be held to the highest standards of accuracy and accountability. Making such a sweeping allegation without evidence is misleading,” the statement read.
The group emphasised that Nigerian youths continue to excel globally across sectors such as technology, healthcare, academia, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries, adding that the narrative undermines their contributions and potential.
It further warned that such claims could reinforce negative stereotypes about Nigeria internationally and damage the country’s global reputation.
Highlighting the country’s socio-economic challenges, AAN cited data from the National Bureau of Statistics, noting that young people aged 15 to 35 make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s population.
It argued that labelling a majority of students as cybercriminals effectively brands tens of millions of youths as criminals without justification.
The organisation also pointed to rising inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and inequality as underlying issues affecting young people, stressing that scapegoating them ignores systemic challenges.
While acknowledging that cybercrime exists, AAN maintained that it is a global issue and not unique to Nigeria.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, called on the EFCC to provide evidence backing the claim.
He said the commission should publish the survey and methodology used, including institutions involved in validating the findings.
“If this cannot be provided, we demand that the EFCC Chair immediately retract the statement and issue a public apology to Nigerian youth for the harm caused,” Mamedu said.
He also urged stakeholders, including the National Association of Nigerian Students, Nigeria Labour Congress, civil society groups, and youth movements, to reject the narrative and defend Nigerian youths.
ActionAid Nigeria reiterated that it does not condone crime in any form but rejected attempts to stigmatise an entire generation based on unverified claims. It reaffirmed its support for young Nigerians and encouraged continued advocacy for accountability, fairness, and inclusive development.
