EFCC Under Fire as Mahdi Shehu Demands Proof Over ‘6 in 10 Students’ Cybercrime Claim

A fresh controversy has erupted over claims that a majority of Nigerian university students are involved in internet fraud, with public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu challenging the credibility of the figures released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The criticism follows remarks by EFCC chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, who recently stated that six out of every 10 students in Nigerian universities are engaged in cybercrime, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo.” The claim has sparked debate across the country, particularly among students and education stakeholders.

Shehu, reacting via his X (formerly Twitter) account, described the assertion as sweeping and potentially harmful, warning that it risks tarnishing the reputation of countless innocent students. He argued that such a conclusion, without publicly available evidence, could damage both the image and future prospects of young Nigerians.

“How did the EFCC arrive at this sweeping conclusion?” Shehu asked, urging the commission to release the data or research underpinning the claim. “They need to publish the result of the research, study or findings,” he added.

He also called on the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to formally challenge the statement, insisting that student leaders must defend the integrity of their members. According to him, failing to do so would allow what he described as a “spurious claim” to gain legitimacy.

Beyond questioning the statistics, Shehu pushed for broader transparency in anti-corruption efforts. He urged the EFCC to publish details of corruption cases involving politicians, civil servants, and other public officials, arguing that such disclosures would present a more balanced picture of wrongdoing in the country.

He further accused the agency of focusing disproportionately on young suspects while neglecting high-profile corruption cases. In his view, this perceived imbalance weakens public trust and undermines the credibility of anti-graft efforts.

The commentator maintained that as long as influential figures accused of corruption continue to display wealth without consequences, efforts to curb cybercrime among youths may appear selective and ineffective.

The EFCC has yet to publicly respond to Shehu’s demands for transparency. However, the debate highlights growing concern over data accuracy, public perception, and the broader fight against cybercrime in Nigeria.