The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied reports that its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, referred to seven out of every 10 Nigerian students as criminals.
The agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, clarified in a statement on Thursday that Olukoyede, during a recent meeting with Civil Society Organisations, expressed concern about the rising cases of internet fraud amongst youths.
He noted that Olukoyede urged for wider media engagement with youths to counter the allure of cybercrime.
He further stated that intelligence reports suggest that unless the current trend is reversed, seven out of ten Nigerian youths could be involved in cybercrime within the next 10 years.
Oyewale stressed that EFCC Chairman never directly labelled “seven out of 10 Nigerian students as criminals,” insisting that the EFCC boss’ primary concern remains the mass participation of youths in cybercrime and the need for collaborative efforts to offer them more productive and sustainable alternatives.
Oyewale said the clarification aims to address the misrepresentation of Olukoyede’s concerns and to emphasise his commitment to the well-being and future of Nigerian youths.
