Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its claim that a significant number of Nigerian university students are involved in internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”
In a post shared on his official X handle on Wednesday, Shehu described the assertion as damaging to the reputation and future of innocent students across the country.
He questioned the basis of the claim and called on the anti-graft agency to provide transparency regarding its findings.
“How did the EFCC arrive at this sweeping conclusion?” he asked, urging the commission to publish the data or research backing its position.
Shehu also called on the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to challenge the statement, warning that it could negatively impact the integrity and prospects of law-abiding students.
“NANS must challenge this spurious claim because it is damaging to their future and integrity, especially those who are innocent,” he said.
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He further argued that for a balanced understanding of corruption in Nigeria, the EFCC should also release details of cases involving public officials.
“For the picture to be complete, EFCC should publish the names of politicians, civil servants and other public officers who have been convicted or are under investigation,” he added.
Shehu criticised what he described as a disproportionate focus on young cybercrime suspects, alleging that high-level corruption cases are not being pursued with equal vigour.
His remarks come in response to a recent statement by EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, who revealed that approximately six out of every 10 students in Nigerian universities are involved in cybercrime.
Olukoyede made the claim at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria held in Kano, describing the trend as alarming.
The exchange has sparked renewed debate over cybercrime, youth involvement, and the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria.