A public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its claim that a large number of Nigerian university students are involved in internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”
Shehu, in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, described the EFCC’s statement as damaging to the image of students across the country, insisting that it unfairly generalises and tarnishes innocent undergraduates.
He questioned the basis of the agency’s claim, asking how it arrived at such figures and urging it to make its data public.
“EFCC should show how it arrived at this conclusion,” he said, calling for the release of any research or findings backing the assertion.
Shehu also urged the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to challenge the claim, arguing that it could harm the reputation and future of many innocent students.
“NANS must challenge this spurious claim because it is damaging to their future and integrity, especially those who are innocent,” he said.
He further called for transparency regarding corruption cases involving public officials, saying the EFCC should also publish details of politicians, civil servants, and other individuals under investigation or already convicted.
According to him, such disclosures would allow Nigerians to compare what he described as “elite corruption” with youth involvement in cybercrime.
Shehu accused the agency of focusing more on young suspects while allegedly paying less attention to high-level corruption, arguing that selective enforcement weakens public trust.
“As long as senior actors continue to flaunt ill-gotten wealth without consequence, EFCC must stop focusing only on young internet fraud suspects who are nothing but students trying to survive in a system of unequal accountability,” he said.
Recall that EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, had earlier raised concern that about six out of every ten university students in Nigeria are allegedly involved in cybercrime, a claim he made during the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Kano.
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