ActionAid Nigeria has demanded that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede tender a public apology and immediately retract his statement alleging that six in ten Nigerian students are involved in cybercrime.

The organisation strongly condemned the statement saying the assertion, made without verifiable evidence, is not only irresponsible but profoundly damaging to the image, dignity, and future of millions of hardworking, law-abiding Nigerian youths.

ActionAid in a statement signed by the Country Director, Dr Andrew Mamedu, said it’s unacceptable that the claim that approximately 60% of Nigerian students are engaged in criminal activity, was made without any publicly verifiable evidence, credible data, or transparent methodology.

He observed that public office holders, particularly those entrusted with upholding justice and integrity, must be held to the highest standards of accuracy and accountability , saying making such a sweeping allegation without evidence is misleading.

“This narrative unfairly labels and criminalises Nigerian youth, a demographic that continues to demonstrate excellence globally across sectors including technology, academia, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries. Nigerian youth are among the most resilient, innovative, and industrious populations in the world.

“To then reduce them to a statistic associated with criminality is to ignore their contributions and undermine their potential. Worse still, such statements risk being amplified internationally, further entrenching harmful stereotypes and damaging Nigeria’s global reputation.

“Nigeria is grappling with severe socio-economic challenges, including rising inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and systemic inequality,” Mameduh stated.

He raised concern that presently, small businesses are struggling to survive. Skilled professionals, including medical personnel, are leaving the country in alarming numbers as communities continue to face insecurity and economic hardship.

Mameduh said that in such an environment, it is both unjust and counterproductive to scapegoat young people and absolutely disingenuous to ignore structural failures.

ActionAid Nigeria reiterates that youth delinquency, where it exists, is not unique to Nigeria as every country grapples with similar challenges, and there is no doubt that some people are involved in cybercrime.

"However," it said, "Nigerian youth have also consistently proven that when placed in enabling environments, with access to opportunities, fair systems, and supportive policies, they thrive and excel, both locally and internationally.

"The Social Justice Organisation therefore, called on the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to publish the survey conducted and the methodology deployed to arrive at this conclusion, including the institutions that validated this claim."

Mamedu said that if they are unable to assert the figure, the EFCC Chair must immediately retract the statement claiming that six in ten Nigerian students are involved in cybercrime and issue a public apology to Nigerian youth for the harm caused by this careless and unsubstantiated assertion.

Mamedu tasked the anti graft agency to conduct evidence-based communication that reflects the realities of the country without resorting to harmful generalisations. They also called on the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), civil society organisations, ACTIVISTAs, and all well-meaning stakeholders to reject this narrative in its entirety and stand in defence of Nigerian youth.”

While affirming that AAN does not condone crime in any form, we reject attempts to stigmatise an entire generation based on unverified claims, they affirm solidarity with young people across the country and encourage them to continue advocating for accountability, fairness, and inclusive development. (The Guardian)

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