Public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its claim that a large proportion of Nigerian university students are involved in internet fraud, commonly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”
Shehu, in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, described the statement as damaging to the image and future of innocent students.
He questioned the basis of the EFCC’s assertion, asking how the agency arrived at such a figure and insisting that it should be backed with verifiable data.
“How did the EFCC arrive at this sweeping conclusion?” he asked, urging the commission to publish the research or findings behind its claim.
He also called on the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to challenge the statement, arguing that it unfairly labels students and could harm their reputation.
“NANS must challenge this spurious claim because it is damaging to their future and integrity, especially those who are innocent,” he said.
Shehu further argued that for a balanced picture of corruption in the country, the EFCC should also publish details of politicians, civil servants and other public officials who have been convicted or are under investigation.
He suggested that such disclosures would help Nigerians compare what he described as “adult Yahoo” with “juvenile Yahoo.”
He accused the anti-graft agency of focusing more on young internet fraud suspects while allegedly neglecting high-level corruption cases, adding that some individuals continue to enjoy unexplained wealth without consequences.
“As long as SENIOR YAHOO-YAHOO continue to parade their stolen wealth in public without shame and repercussion, EFCC must stop deceiving itself and stop disturbing the Yahoo-Yahoo boys who are nothing but ‘GOOD STUDENTS’ aspiring for DISTINCTION in the ‘legitimised’ business of stealing without consequence tainted with selective prosecution,” he said.
Recall that EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, had recently raised concern that about six in every ten Nigerian university students are allegedly involved in cybercrime. He made the remark at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Kano, stating that the trend was deeply troubling.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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