The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied reports that its chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, declared that “seven out of 10 Nigerian students are criminals.”
Dele Oyewale, spokesman of the commission, in a statement on Thursday, said a section of the media misrepresented Olukoyede’s statement.
During a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSO) representatives, he said Olukoyede highlighted the need for extensive media enlightenment to combat internet fraud among youth.
Part of the statement read:
”He did say that reports and intelligence available to him indicated that, unless this trajectory of youth involvement in internet fraud is addressed and reversed, the future of their leadership of our great nation may be threatened, and if it continues in the next ten years, seven out 10 of our youths may be getting involved in cybercrimes.
”At no time did he say that “seven out of 10 Nigerian students are criminals”. His concerns still bother on breaking the jinx of mass indulgence of youths in cybercrimes.
”The EFCC wishes to assure the public that Olukoyede is doubly committed to the progress of Nigerian youths, and this underscores his calls for collaborative interventions in offering them more productive and sustainable alternatives.”
