Peter Obi raises alarm over EFCC student fraud claim, blames poor leadership example

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Anambra State governor and presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has raised concern over claims by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that six out of every ten Nigerian university students are involved in internet fraud, popularly known as “419”.

Describing the revelation as “deeply troubling,” Obi said the development should not be taken lightly, warning that it points to a broader moral and systemic crisis.

He noted that Nigeria already has a limited higher education population, estimated at between 2 and 2.5 million students. If the EFCC’s claim is accurate, he said, it would mean that roughly 1.4 million young people are involved in fraudulent activities.

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“This is not just a crime issue; it is a serious moral and systemic failure,” he said.

Obi questioned the societal factors driving such behaviour, including the type of role models young people are exposed to and the values being reinforced in the country.

“Young people become what they consistently see. When a system appears to reward wrongdoing, when integrity is not upheld, and when those in leadership are associated with allegations of dishonesty without consequence, it sends a dangerous message,” he stated.

According to him, such trends suggest that hard work and integrity are no longer prioritised, contributing to what he described as a collapse in moral values.

Citing the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, Obi added, “An unexamined life is not worth living,” urging Nigeria to reflect on its current trajectory.

The former governor emphasised that the issue should not be framed as condemnation of young people, but rather as a reflection of leadership failures.

“This is about acknowledging that leadership sets the tone. If integrity is not demonstrated at the top, it cannot be expected at the bottom,” he said.

Obi called for urgent efforts to rebuild Nigeria’s value system, enforce accountability without bias, and create an environment where honesty, hard work and discipline are rewarded.

He stressed that such reforms are essential to securing the country’s future.