ActionAid Nigeria has criticised the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, over a claim that six out of every ten Nigerian students are involved in cybercrime, describing the assertion as “reckless and unsubstantiated.”
In a statement issued on May 1 in Abuja, the organisation said the allegation—reportedly made without verifiable data or a transparent methodology—amounts to a sweeping generalisation that unfairly criminalises millions of young Nigerians and damages their global reputation.
The group warned that such remarks from a senior public official risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes at home and abroad, while also undermining confidence in public institutions. It stressed that no credible evidence has been presented to support the claim, describing the figure as “deeply misleading and damaging.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic structure, ActionAid noted that the country’s youth population—estimated at over 95 million people aged 15 to 35—remains central to its workforce and innovation ecosystem. It argued that labelling a large proportion of this group as criminals without proof distorts reality and diverts attention from underlying structural challenges such as unemployment, economic hardship, and inequality.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, called on the EFCC to publish the data and methodology supporting the claim or withdraw it. He also demanded a public apology to Nigerian youth if the evidence cannot be substantiated.
“Public institutions must be guided by facts, not conjecture,” Mamedu said, emphasising the need for evidence-based communication in addressing crime without resorting to broad generalisations.
The organisation further urged stakeholders, including the National Association of Nigerian Students and the Nigeria Labour Congress, as well as civil society groups, to reject what it described as a dangerous narrative and defend the integrity of Nigerian youth.
While acknowledging the existence of cybercrime, ActionAid maintained that youth involvement in such activities is a global issue and should not be used to stigmatise an entire generation. It pointed to the contributions of Nigerian youths across sectors including technology, healthcare, academia, and the creative industries.
Reaffirming its opposition to all forms of criminality, the organisation said accountability must be pursued alongside fairness and accuracy. It also pledged continued support for young Nigerians in advancing justice, inclusive development, and institutional accountability.
ActionAid Nigeria, part of the global ActionAid federation operating in over 45 countries, focuses on poverty eradication, social justice, and gender equality.
