The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised alarm that Nigeria’s internet fraudsters, popularly known as ‘Yahoo boys’, are not only engaged in internet fraud but are also involved in banditry, kidnapping, and laundering funds for politically exposed persons.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, described the situation as a major crisis threatening Nigeria’s image and economy, with evidence showing that some of these individuals are linked to wider criminal activities and high-level corruption.
Olukoyede disclosed that a 22-year-old suspect, who has never worked in his life, had over N5 billion in his account within just 18 months.
He lamented that fraud has taken root even in schools, with students abandoning education to pursue criminal lifestyles, and some suspects using fetish objects and employing girls to assist them in their fraudulent activities.
The EFCC boss called on Nigerians to support the Commission’s work and help redirect the minds of the youth towards honest living.
