How High Population Of Yahoo Business Destroys Nigeria’s Youth

In 2022, Nigeria recorded a 174% increase in cybercrimes within six months, and, in 2023, the Nigerian economy lost US$706 million through cybercrime. Worldwide, financial losses from cybercrime are projected to reach US$10.5 trillion by 2025.

In a time when Nigeria grapples with the challenges of economic instability, corruption, and social inequality, and political wars, ranging from the Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan., declaration of state of emergency and the Suspension of Rivers State Governor among others, another insidious threat has emerged, quietly destroying the destinies of many young Nigerians. 

The proliferation of “Yahoo Yahoo” Business – a colloquial term for young people engaged in cybercrime and online fraud – has become a scourge on Nigerian society, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

The passion for easy money and the glamour of a luxurious lifestyle have lured many young Nigerians into the world of cybercrime. With the rise of social media and online platforms, the opportunities for fraud and deception have increased exponentially. 

Yahoo Boys use various tactics, including phishing, identity theft, and romance scams, to swindle unsuspecting victims, both locally and internationally.

However, the consequences of this phenomenon extend far beyond the financial losses incurred by individuals and businesses. The high population of Yahoo Boys has destroyed many destinies in Nigeria, perpetuating a culture of corruption, moral decay, and social disintegration.

Yahoo Business and Spiritual Combination 

Yahoo Yahoo scammers have begun mixing spiritual and supernatural elements and mystical rituals rooted in Nigerian culture, known as cyber-spiritualism, into their modus operandi, believing these will enhance their criminal success. ‘Yahoo Plus’ combines typical scams – like business email compromise, phishing and romance fraud – with voodoo and occult practices.

Rituals involving items like used sanitary pads are believed to protect scammers from detection and increase their success and wealth. An even darker form, ‘Yahoo plus Plus’, involves human sacrifices, rituals, kidnapping, harvesting body parts, and ‘sex with ghosts’ to achieve their aims.

A witch doctor tells the scammers what fresh body part(s) he needs, depending on the scam, for the black magic potion. The scammer must hunt for the body part(s) and mix these into the prepared potion. Sunday said he’d heard that for business espionage and sabotaging data in large computer networks, two left eyes and a young woman’s left breast (she can’t be older than 25) were needed.

For the required body parts, scammers often seek out homeless girls looking for job opportunities, as they’re unlikely to be missed. Sunday, who denies any involvement in Yahoo Plus Plus, explains that scammers use spells from witch doctors to lure victims to specific locations, where they’re kidnapped, drugged and killed, and their organs harvested for rituals. Scammers have even been known to use their own girlfriends. Even though there has been a clampdown on witch doctors, there seem to be limited police investigations into the missing girls, partly due to low reporting rates by families or friends.

With the potion prepared, scammers target online victims equipped with laptops. Once chosen, victims are groomed and hypnotised online, after which they often willingly offer their money and valuables

The Human Cost of Yahoo Yahoo Activities

The impact of Yahoo fraud is devastating, affecting individuals, businesses, and the nation’s global reputation. 

To gain a deeper understanding of the issue, we spoke with a repented Yahoo Boy, who wished to remain anonymous in Lagos. 

His story provides a peep into the world of cybercrime and the devastating consequences of this lifestyle.

“I got into Yahoo Yahoo (cybercrime) when I was 19,” he said. “I was tempted by the promise of easy money and the lifestyle that came with it. At first, it was exciting, but soon, I realized that I was living a lie. I was making money, but I was also hurting people. I was constantly looking over my shoulder, worried that I would get caught.”

He continued, “But the worst part was the impact it had on my relationships. My family and friends didn’t understand what I was doing, and they were worried about me. I became isolated and alone, surrounded by people who were also involved in cybercrime.”

The consequences of Yahoo Boy activities are far-reaching and devastating. The involvement of young people in cybercrime has led to a decline in educational values and a lack of interest in legitimate careers. 

The Yahoo Boy culture has eroded the moral fabric of Nigerian society, creating a culture of corruption, materialism, and instant gratification.

The activities of Yahoo Boys have also damaged Nigeria’s international reputation, making it increasingly difficult for genuine businesses and individuals to operate online. 

The emotional and psychological toll of Yahoo Boy activities on victims and their families cannot be overstated, causing trauma, stress, and financial hardship.

Furthermore, the activities of Yahoo Boys have contributed to increased poverty and inequality in Nigeria, as the wealth generated from cybercrime is often concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. 

The negative impact of Yahoo Boy activities on Nigeria’s economic development can not be overstated. The country’s reputation as a hub for cybercrime has discouraged foreign investment and hindered economic growth.

Who Are the Yahoo Boys?

The term ‘Yahoo Boys’ started to be used in the early 2000s to refer to financially motivated young Nigerians conducting phishing scams – an activity commonly called ‘yahoo yahoo’ or ‘419 fraud’ in Nigerian slang – using Yahoo.com email addresses.

They are the original ‘Nigerian Princes,’ who have shifted in recent years to conduct elderly fraud, fake job scams, and romance scams.

Despite what some reports sometimes indicate, Yahoo Boys are not part of one unified cybercriminal group but form a nebulous subculture group. Although they might share tips and tricks, they typically operate individually or structured in small groups.

Addressing the Menace

To address this menace, the Nigerian government, civil society organizations, and individuals must work together to create a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of this problem. Investing in education and skills development can provide young people with alternative career paths and reduce the allure of cybercrime.

Creating job opportunities can provide young people with a legitimate means of earning a living and reduce the temptation of cybercrime. Promoting a culture of integrity and hard work can help to erode the Yahoo Boy culture and promote a more positive and productive lifestyle.

Equipping law enforcement agencies with the necessary resources and training can help to track and prosecute Yahoo Boys, reducing the incidence of cybercrime. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures can help to prevent cybercrime and protect individuals and businesses from online threats.

Raising awareness about the dangers of cybercrime and the consequences of Yahoo Boy activities can help prevent young people from getting involved in this lifestyle. It is time for Nigerians to come together to address this menace, promote a culture of integrity and hard work, and create a brighter future for generations to come.

Written by Alefia Friday James