EFCC Clarifies Chairman Olukoyede’s Statement on Student Involvement in Cybercrimes

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly denied recent reports suggesting that its Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, accused 70% of Nigerian university students of engaging in cybercrimes.

Contrary to the alleged statement, EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, emphasized in a statement released on Thursday that Olukoyede’s remarks had been misinterpreted. Oyewale clarified that the chairman never stated that “seven out of 10” Nigerian students are criminals.

In the statement sent to PM News, Oyewale explained that during a meeting with representatives of Civil Society Organizations, Olukoyede expressed concerns about the increasing involvement of youth in internet-related crimes. The chairman called for heightened media enlightenment to counteract this trend.

The EFCC assured the public that Olukoyede remains deeply committed to the progress of Nigerian youths. His focus is on breaking the cycle of widespread youth involvement in cybercrimes by promoting collaborative interventions and offering more productive and sustainable alternatives.

The commission stressed that the chairman’s warnings were aimed at addressing and reversing the current trajectory of youth engagement in internet fraud, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the future leadership of the nation from potential threats posed by such activities.