The term “Yahoo,” once associated with a popular email service (Yahoo Mail), has now become synonymous with internet fraud and cybercrime in Nigeria. It refers to a range of online scams predominantly perpetrated by young Nigerian men, often targeting unsuspecting individuals and businesses, particularly in Western countries.

In neighbouring Ghana, these fraudsters are known as “Sakawa boys,” a term derived from the Hausa language. The origins of “Yahoo” fraud trace back to the early 2000s, though they are seen as descendants of the infamous “419 scammers,” who initially used letters and then email scams to promise financial rewards in exchange for advance fees. The number “419” itself is derived from a section of the Nigerian Criminal Code that pertains to fraud.

However, the criminal activities of Yahoo Boys have now expanded beyond simple internet scams. The intersection of cybercrime, ritual killings, and deep-seated cultural beliefs has created a dangerous phenomenon in Nigeria, one that has had tragic consequences for its victims and a profound impact on Nigerian society.

The Appeal of Yahoo Boys

The allure of becoming a “Yahoo Boy” lies in the prospect of acquiring quick and substantial wealth. In a country plagued by high unemployment, economic instability, and limited job opportunities, many young Nigerians view internet fraud as a way out of poverty.

For some, the internet offers the chance to connect with potential victims across the globe, increasing their chances of success. This path, though illegal and immoral, often appears easier than the daily struggle for survival in a harsh economic climate.

Yet, the consequences of this criminal lifestyle are far-reaching, extending beyond financial gain. The rising culture of materialism, combined with societal pressures to achieve wealth, has led some Yahoo Boys to resort to extreme measures, including ritual killings, to enhance their fortunes.

Ritual Murders: A Dark Side of Yahoo Fraud

In Nigerian society, certain traditional beliefs hold that rituals involving human sacrifice can bring wealth, power, or success. This belief, combined with the desperation of young men seeking to enrich themselves, has contributed to a horrifying increase in ritual killings. Victims, often young women or children, are seen as possessing qualities that can be “harvested” for ritualistic purposes.

One such tragic case was that of Jennifer Anthony, a university student who was reportedly murdered by her “Yahoo Boy” boyfriend. Her gruesome death, which involved the removal of her eyes and other body parts, pointed to a ritual killing motivated by the desire for wealth.

Jennifer’s death is just one in a long line of similar incidents where individuals—often women—are targeted for ritual purposes, with promises of material gain driving these heinous acts.

Similarly, the murder of Damilola Olowoyo, a 17-year-old undergraduate at the Federal University, Lokoja, shocked the nation. Her alleged killer, Jeremiah Awe, reportedly lured her into a bush, drugged her, and killed her for ritual purposes.

In a particularly disturbing twist, Jeremiah then contacted her parents, demanding a ransom under the pretence that she had been kidnapped, using the money for his ritualistic pursuits. This case underscores how modern technology, such as social media platforms like TikTok, has made it easier for criminals to connect with and exploit individuals.

High-Profile Cases of Ritual Killings

Ritual killings, often associated with the Yahoo Boys phenomenon, have taken a distressing turn, with an alarming rise in such cases in recent years. Some prominent examples include:

• Mojisola Awesu, a 21-year-old graduate of the Kwara State College of Health Technology, who was lured to a hotel under the guise of attending a party and murdered by four men. Her death, for a meager sum of N15,000, was another chilling reminder of the lengths to which some criminals will go for ritual purposes.
• In Ibadan, Oyo State, a middle-aged man, Alfa Ahmed, brutally murdered his visually impaired grandfather and ill uncle in a ritual killing intended to bring him wealth.
• Ridwan, a 20-year-old man from Ogun State, made headlines in 2023 for killing his own father as part of a ritual designed to bring financial success.

These cases, among many others, paint a disturbing picture of a society grappling with a dangerous mix of modern technology and ancient, superstitious beliefs.

Gender Imbalance and Vulnerable Victims

A particularly troubling aspect of this trend is the overwhelming number of female victims in ritual killings. Women and girls are often targeted, with civil society groups and local media reporting an increasing threat to their safety.

Statistics from the West African Network for Peace Building reveal that between January 2021 and January 2022, Nigeria recorded 185 ritual-related deaths. Of these, 43 were women and 30 were children, highlighting the disproportionate vulnerability of women to these crimes.

The Societal Impact of Yahoo Boys and Ritual Killings

The activities of Yahoo Boys, especially when intertwined with ritual killings, have had a profound impact on Nigerian society. These crimes erode trust, undermine the rule of law, and perpetuate a culture of violence and impunity. Victims and their families are left traumatised, while the broader society grapples with the moral decay that has allowed such crimes to flourish.

At the heart of this crisis lies a breakdown in traditional values. The desire for quick wealth has replaced principles of hard work and integrity, and the moral fabric of Nigerian society appears to be unravelling. The rise of ritual killings, fueled by the activities of Yahoo Boys, represents not just a criminal issue but a deep-seated societal problem that demands urgent attention.

The Need for Immediate Action

Addressing the rise of Yahoo Boys and ritual killings requires a multifaceted approach. First, law enforcement must be strengthened, and the legal system needs to ensure that perpetrators of these crimes are swiftly brought to justice. Additionally, community education and awareness campaigns should aim to dispel the myths surrounding ritual sacrifices and address the root causes of desperation that drive young men into criminal activity.

Efforts must also be made to create economic opportunities for Nigeria’s youth, reducing the allure of quick and illegal gains. Programmes focusing on skill development, entrepreneurship, and education can provide alternative pathways for young people, steering them away from lives of crime and violence.

Finally, there must be a renewed commitment to strengthening traditional values of integrity, hard work, and respect for human life. Only through concerted effort and societal change can Nigeria hope to reverse the dangerous trend of ritual killings and Yahoo fraud that threatens to destabilise the country.