I Didn’t Say That” — EFCC Boss Clears Air On Yahoo Plus Remark

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has addressed reports suggesting he claimed that a majority of Nigerian students are involved in cybercrime, clarifying that his remarks were misinterpreted.

According to Ireporter Online, Olukoyede made the clarification during an appearance on Channels Television, where he explained that he never stated that six out of ten students in the country were criminals. He noted that his earlier comment was drawn from a limited number of cases investigated by the commission and was not intended as a general assessment of the student population.

He explained that the statement was made while addressing university pro-chancellors, where he shared insights from EFCC investigations. In those specific cases reviewed, he observed that six out of ten students investigated were linked to cyber-related offences, stressing that the data applied only to that sample group.

Olukoyede emphasized that his intention was to highlight a concerning pattern among some young people, not to stigmatize students nationwide. He added that the way his comments were reported created a misleading impression of his message.

The EFCC chairman further revealed that the trend has raised concerns about how best to address such issues involving young Nigerians. He questioned whether imprisonment alone would provide a lasting solution or potentially worsen the situation.

He noted that this has prompted the commission to explore alternative approaches, including collaborating with relevant authorities on initiatives aimed at supporting and redirecting youths. He suggested that providing better opportunities could help curb their involvement in crime.

Olukoyede reiterated that the EFCC’s focus is not on targeting young people but on fostering a society rooted in integrity and accountability, where individuals are encouraged to make lawful choices regardless of their background.