“I am taking back what these white bigots stole from us“. Femi Elesin ( Not real name ) silently muttered as he overlooked the artistic lush that sprung underneath his raised balcony. He was one of the cyber ‘baddies‘ perpetually scavenging for foreign ‘clients‘ who foraged online.
He is unapologetic and resigned to fatalism – the dark ridge where young, budding Nigerians are driving themselves to death. Its a survival coy, simple…’Nigeria too hard‘.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed the alarming rise of the so-called Yahoo culture, a disturbing trend that glorifies cybercrime, particularly internet fraud. Rooted in the infamous activities of “Yahoo boys“—a term coined from the popular email service used to perpetrate these scams—this culture has infiltrated the mindset of many young Nigerians. As economic pressures mount and opportunities seem increasingly elusive, more young people are turning to online fraud as a means of survival or, in many cases, a fast track to wealth. But this path is not just illegal—it is morally bankrupt and socially destructive. This Yahoo culture has to go!
Behind the flashy cars, luxurious lifestyles, and Instagram posts that glorify ill-gotten wealth lies a harsh reality. At the heart of these fraudulent activities are innocent victims, often from foreign countries, who are swindled out of their life savings, manipulated through elaborate romance scams, or defrauded through fake business deals. These crimes leave emotional and financial scars, causing severe psychological trauma and even leading to suicides in extreme cases. While many see these victims as distant or abstract, they are real people whose lives are being destroyed for quick money.
The normalization of internet fraud in Nigeria is a glaring symptom of a broader societal problem: a value system that places material success above ethics. In a country where high levels of unemployment, corruption, and poverty have stifled the dreams of many young people, desperation often leads to dangerous choices. But the glamorization of fraud, seen in pop culture and even in certain music lyrics, is particularly troubling. It sends a message that success—no matter how achieved—is worthy of admiration. This distorted mindset is eroding the moral fabric of the nation, particularly among the youth.
Consider the story of Hushpuppi, a notorious Nigerian internet fraudster who gained international infamy after flaunting his ill-gotten wealth online. His story is one that resonates with many young Nigerians, who see the fame, luxury, and attention but often overlook the eventual downfall. Arrested in Dubai and sentenced in the U.S., Hushpuppi’s empire of deceit came crashing down, revealing the emptiness of a life built on crime. Yet, for many, his story continues to be a point of fascination and, worryingly, a source of inspiration.
The real tragedy lies in the fact that many of the young people drawn to this lifestyle have immense potential. Nigeria is blessed with a vibrant, intelligent, and entrepreneurial youth population. From tech innovation to creative industries, Nigerian youths have repeatedly shown their capacity to compete on the global stage. Yet, too many are being lured into the Yahoo culture—a path that not only tarnishes their own futures but also damages the reputation of the entire country. Nigeria’s image as a global hub for cybercrime is a stain that takes years to erase.
A report by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that internet fraud is not just a minor problem—it has become a full-blown crisis. Between 2019 and 2021, the EFCC reported a sharp increase in the arrest of internet fraudsters, many of whom were young Nigerians under the age of 30. This surge reflects a generation that is growing increasingly desensitized to the consequences of fraud, treating it as a victimless crime or, worse, as a form of “hustling.” But there is no honor in theft, and no future in fraud.
In stark contrast, there are countless examples of Nigerian youths who are redefining what success means, and they are doing it the right way. Take Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Flutterwave, a Nigerian fintech company that has revolutionized online payments across Africa. Or Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of LifeBank, which uses technology to deliver blood supplies to hospitals across Nigeria. These individuals are just a few of the many who have chosen the path of innovation, hard work, and ethical entrepreneurship, proving that success doesn’t need to come at the expense of others.
How to Stop it!
To counter the allure of Yahoo culture, a shift in mindset is necessary. Parents, educators, and community leaders must emphasize the value of integrity, hard work, and delayed gratification. Youths must be shown that the long, often difficult road to success is far more rewarding than the fleeting, dangerous thrill of fraud.
Nigeria’s leaders also have a critical role to play in creating more opportunities for employment, education, and skill acquisition, so that the nation’s youth don’t feel trapped in a cycle of poverty and desperation.
Importantly, the government must intensify its efforts to combat internet fraud, not just through arrests and prosecutions but by addressing the root causes. Poverty, lack of opportunity, and a failing education system are all contributing factors that drive young people into these illicit activities. Only by providing viable alternatives—such as vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and accessible education—can Nigeria begin to steer its youth away from the path of fraud.
Beyond enforcement, it’s crucial to reshape the narratives in popular culture. Music and media have a profound influence on how young people perceive success and wealth. Artists, influencers, and content creators have a responsibility to promote positive role models and discourage the glorification of crime. By showcasing stories of legitimate success, they can help to shift the focus from fast money to long-lasting, ethical achievements.
At the end of the day, the fight against the Yahoo culture is not just a legal battle—it’s a moral one. The future of Nigeria depends on a generation that values honesty, integrity, and hard work over shortcuts, scams, and deceit. The sooner young people realize that true success comes from contributing to society, not exploiting it, the sooner Nigeria can begin to heal from this toxic culture.
The choice is clear: a future built on fraud is no future at all. If Nigeria’s youth can reclaim their sense of purpose, ethics, and ambition, they will not only transform their own lives but also help redefine the nation’s path forward.
This Yahoo culture has to go, and in its place, a new generation of leaders, innovators, and creators must rise. Only then can Nigeria fully harness the power of its youth and build a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and just.
