By Zayd Isah
A recent viral video circulating on social media features an elderly man passionately advocating for internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo Boys.” In the nearly two-minute footage shared by prominent blogger and influencer, Tunde Ednut, on his Instagram page, the bowler hat-wearing and bespectacled senior citizen, appearing relaxed as if in an interview setting, made a plea to the government to refrain from targeting the so-called Yahoo Boys. His plea was hinged on the assertion that Yahoo Boys currently play a pivotal role in the country’s economy, suggesting that without their contributions, the economic situation would worsen.
Predictably, his words received both praise and condemnation from viewers of the clip, as evidenced by the number of comments under the post. Some even jokingly offered to send him money as a token of appreciation.
The old man, like others who rationalize internet fraud among the country’s youth, blames the government for failing to provide adequate employment opportunities. Apparently, this has in turn led to an upsurge in cybercrimes such as internet fraud. In his attempt to defend the fraudulent activities of Yahoo Boys, he diminished the severity of internet fraud by comparing it to other heinous crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery. To the man, internet fraud seems less handful in comparison to these other crimes. He also suggested that society should be thankful that unemployed Nigerian youths have turned to internet fraud rather than resorting to more violent crimes to earn a living.
The old man’s controversial appeal to the government is indeed a troubling reflection of the declining moral standards in our society. When parents who are supposed to be the shining light of morality for their children, begin aiding and abetting criminal activities, the situation mirrors that of the proverbial fox guarding the henhouse. It reflects the saying that a rotten apple spoils the barrel.
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To illustrate the extent of this degeneration, consider the recent case of a 20-year-old internet fraudster identified as Daniel Bamidele, who attacked and stabbed his parents over his mother’s refusal to reveal her real name. Apparently, that information was necessary to activate a black ritual soap which would supposedly bring him riches. This disturbing incident unfolded in Ibadan, Oyo State. If the old man advocating for Yahoo Boys were to become the victim of such an attack, it begs the question: would he still appeal to the government to turn a blind eye to their activities?
Granted that unemployment rates in the country may have created so many idle hands, there is ultimately no justification to commit such crimes. A lot of people have been killed while others have committed suicide because of the activities of fraudsters. And as I always say, the “Yahoo Yahoo” phenomenon is more about greed and the get-rich-quick syndrome which has pervaded our society than about unemployment. It is unfortunate that a lot of young people are ready to do anything just to ride in expensive cars and reside in palatial mansions.
It is disheartening to witness individuals rationalizing and justifying criminality under the guise of economic necessity. As guardians of a fading moral code, parents should sow seeds of integrity and righteousness in the hearts of their children, rather than cultivate a garden of deceit and corruption. Charity begins at home as it is often said, and if this present darkness is not checked at the beginning, it would not be long before the foundation crumbles, letting the roof fall on all our heads.
Zayd Ibn Isah can be reached at [email protected]
