ActionAid Nigeria Demands Retraction of Cybercrime Claims

ActionAid Nigeria, represented by Stella Oduem in Abuja, condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman Ola Olukoye's claim that six out of ten Nigerian students are involved in cybercrime. The organization released a statement on Friday asserting that the allegations are reckless and unsubstantiated, warning that they unfairly criminalize millions of law-abiding Nigerian youth.

ActionAid Nigeria noted that the claim, which suggests that 60% of Nigerian students engage in criminal activities, was made without credible data or transparent methodology. The group emphasized that Nigerian youth excel across various sectors, including technology and entrepreneurship, and that such sweeping allegations could reinforce negative stereotypes about Nigeria internationally.

Andrew Mamedu, the director of ActionAid Nigeria, called on the EFCC to provide evidence for its claims and demanded an immediate retraction and public apology to the Nigerian youth. The organization reiterated its stance against crime and rejected attempts to stigmatize an entire generation based on unverifiable claims.