EFCC Warns of Rising Crime Wave as Yahoo Boys Evolve into Ritual Killings, Banditry
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo boys,” have expanded their criminal activities to include kidnapping, ritual killings, and arms trafficking. Speaking during a meeting with the management of *The PUNCH* at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Olukoyede emphasized the growing threat posed by these criminals.
Olukoyede disclosed that Nigeria lost over $500 million to internet fraud in the past year alone. He defended the commission’s intensified crackdown on cybercriminals, stating that their activities have evolved beyond online scams into more violent and dangerous crimes.
“It is no longer just about scamming people. They are now into kidnapping, banditry, and ritual killings. Some of our investigations have uncovered horrifying details, including cases where young female victims were used for rituals,” he said.
The EFCC boss warned that failure to act decisively could have dire consequences for the nation’s future. “If we don’t act now, in the next 10 years, we may not have a generation we can confidently hand over this country to,” he added.
Olukoyede also highlighted the commission’s efforts to combat corruption within its ranks, revealing that 27 staff members had been dismissed over the past year due to corruption allegations. “You cannot be fighting corruption and be corrupt yourself. Integrity is key in this fight, and we must lead by example,” he stated.
He called on the media to support the EFCC’s efforts by engaging in more investigative journalism and accurately reporting on the commission’s achievements. “The media has always been a key player in the anti-corruption fight. We need to return to that era where the media and law enforcement work together to protect the country,” he said.
Michael Nzekwe, Chief of Staff to the EFCC Chairman, echoed this sentiment, urging greater collaboration between the media and law enforcement. “The media is a critical partner in this fight. The advocacy and awareness you create have helped sustain the anti-corruption movement in Nigeria,” he said.
The EFCC’s revelations underscore the urgent need for a united front against the escalating threat posed by cybercriminals and their involvement in heinous crimes.
