ActionAid Nigeria has launched a forceful rebuttal against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, over what it described as a “reckless and unsubstantiated” claim that six out of every ten Nigerian students are involved in cybercrime.
In a strongly worded statement issued on May 1 in Abuja, the organisation said the assertion—allegedly made without verifiable evidence or transparent methodology—amounts to a sweeping generalisation that unfairly criminalises millions of young Nigerians and undermines their global reputation.
The group warned that such claims, coming from a senior public official entrusted with upholding justice, risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes both locally and internationally, while eroding trust in public institutions. It insisted that no credible data has been presented to support the allegation, describing the figure as “deeply misleading and damaging.”
Citing demographic realities, ActionAid noted that Nigeria’s youth population—estimated at over 95 million people aged 15 to 35—represents a critical segment of the country’s workforce and innovation ecosystem. It argued that branding a significant proportion of this population as criminals without proof not only distorts reality but also distracts from deeper structural challenges, including unemployment, economic hardship, and inequality.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, called on the EFCC leadership to immediately publish the data and methodology behind the claim or withdraw it altogether. He further demanded a public apology to Nigerian youth if such evidence cannot be produced.
“Public institutions must be guided by facts, not conjecture,” Mamedu said, stressing that evidence-based communication is essential in addressing crime without resorting to harmful generalisations.
The organisation also urged stakeholders, including the National Association of Nigerian Students and the Nigeria Labour Congress, alongside civil society groups, to reject what it termed a dangerous narrative and defend the integrity of Nigerian youth.
While acknowledging the existence of cybercrime, ActionAid emphasised that youth involvement in criminal activities is a global issue and should not be used to stigmatise an entire generation. It highlighted the contributions of Nigerian youths across sectors such as technology, healthcare, academia, and the creative industry, describing them as resilient and innovative despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
The organisation reaffirmed its stance against all forms of criminality but insisted that accountability must not come at the expense of fairness and accuracy. It pledged continued solidarity with young Nigerians and encouraged them to remain engaged in the pursuit of justice, inclusive development, and institutional accountability.
ActionAid Nigeria, a member of the global ActionAid federation, operates in over 45 countries, focusing on poverty eradication, social justice, and gender equality.
