Chidi Odinkalu, a human rights lawyer, has criticised Olanipekun Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over his claim that a majority of Nigerian university students are involved in cybercrime.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Odinkalu described the assertion as “irresponsible” and outside the mandate of the anti-graft agency.
“The claim labelling 60 percent of students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions as criminals is plainly irresponsible and unconscionable,” he said.
He said the EFCC has no statutory power to profile a demographic group based on social status.
“It is outside the statutory responsibility of the EFCC to profile a demographic or social group,” he said.
Odinkalu added that such statements worsen the challenges faced by young people in the country.
“It is already difficult enough to be young in Nigeria at this time without being officially labelled,” he said.
He also questioned the basis of the EFCC’s claim, noting that the commission has not presented any verifiable data.
“The EFCC has not provided proof that its claim is founded on any study that can stand minimal methodological scrutiny,” he said.
He said if such a study exists, it should be made public for independent assessment.
Furthermore, Odinkalu argued that the EFCC should prioritise high-profile corruption cases.
“The EFCC was established to go after politically exposed persons, not students,” he said.
He accused the commission of failing to effectively prosecute political actors, especially those aligned with the ruling party.
BACKGROUND
Olukoyede had said that about six out of every 10 students in Nigerian universities are involved in cybercrime.
He spoke at the 8th biennial conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of state-owned universities held in Kano.
The EFCC chairman said findings from investigations and field operations revealed widespread involvement of undergraduates in internet fraud.
“My research in the last one year has shown that about six out of 10 students in our universities are into cybercrime,” he said.
He described the trend as a “sad development” and called for urgent action to address it.
