In an effort to evade law enforcement, internet fraudsters, commonly known as ‘Yahoo boys,’ are resorting to various tactics, including seeking spiritual protection and disguising as religious figures, writes Victor Ayeni.
THE RAID
EFCC officials, acting on a tip-off, raided an estate in Lugbe, causing a commotion that startled 26-year-old Marcel. Observing the scene from his window, Marcel saw an EFCC van and officers entering his neighbor’s apartment.
Quickly realizing the threat, Marcel, an Imo State native, decided to hide his phone—a crucial tool in his fraudulent activities. Wrapping it in a plastic bag, he submerged it in the toilet bowl, fearing detection.
Marcel explained to Shoutouttvblog, “My hands were shaking, but I managed to hide the phone. That phone is my lifeline. If they found it, I’d be finished.”
THE INTERROGATION
The EFCC officers stormed Marcel’s room, demanding his phone. Marcel, pretending to be a shoemaker, tried to lie but was met with a harsh response. Despite their thorough search, they missed the hidden phone and eventually left.
After the raid, Marcel called his mother, Bridget, who lives in Lagos and is aware of his illicit activities. She had been praying for his protection, and Marcel believes these prayers saved him from arrest.
THE DIGITAL FRAUD ECOSYSTEM
Yahoo boys, or G-boys, operate by defrauding people online using tactics like “bombing” (finding a victim) and “grinding” (chatting with the victim). Victims are often referred to as “clients” or “magas.”
Over time, Internet fraudsters have evolved their methods. A notorious example is Ramon Abbas, known as Ray Hushpuppi, who was sentenced to 135 months in a U.S. federal prison for laundering millions of dollars through online scams.
LAVISH LIFESTYLES AND RAIDS
G-boys are known to flaunt their wealth on social media, showing off luxury cars, designer clothes, and lavish parties. The EFCC has been relentless in raiding suspected fraudsters, seizing numerous vehicles, gadgets, and other assets.
In one operation, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede disclosed that over $500 million was lost to internet fraud in 2022, leading to several international companies shutting down operations in Nigeria.
DISGUISES AND DECEPTION
To evade detection, many Yahoo boys have started living modestly and adopting religious disguises. Olalekan, a fraudster from Ibadan, now dresses as a Muslim cleric to avoid suspicion. Isaiah, another fraudster from Ogun State, poses as a doctor, complete with a lab coat and ID card.
Others go to great lengths to disguise their activities, such as posing as movie producers, setting up NGOs, or even securing government jobs.
SPIRITUAL PROTECTION
Many Yahoo boys seek spiritual protection through personal prayers and rituals performed by their parents or religious clerics. Some parents even form support groups to strategize and pray for their children’s safety.
Michael Hassan, acquainted with several cybercriminals, noted that many Yahoo boys involve their mothers or wives in these rituals, believing it offers them protection from law enforcement.
ECONOMIC HARDSHIP AND RELIGION
Economic hardship and unemployment are significant factors driving youths into cybercrime. Many turn to white garment churches or other religious groups, believing these institutions offer spiritual protection.
Economist Oluwaseun Wusu emphasized that economic conditions and the desire for a fast life push many youths into fraud. He also highlighted the influence of religion, noting that many Yahoo boys flock to non-uniformed churches that incorporate African traditional rites.
The complex world of internet fraud in Nigeria is marked by evolving tactics, lavish lifestyles, and desperate measures to avoid law enforcement. From religious disguises to seeking spiritual protection, Yahoo boys continue to adapt in their bid to evade capture.
By shoutouttvblog
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