Cyber Fraud (Yahoo) and Prostitution: Two Growing Social Challenges in Nigeria

By Eguono Johnson

The rate of cyber fraud is increasing drastically in Nigeria. Cyber fraud (Yahoo), which is the main focus of this article, is also known as internet fraud. It is a means of scamming people through the internet.

Come to think of it, have you ever asked yourself how "Yahoo" came to be or how it emerged? I have asked myself these questions several times: Who was the first person to start this "Yahoo" business? How did the person even come up with the idea in the first place? Indeed, I once said, "He must be very smart and intelligent," just as my grandma would always say, "Computer wizard." Before you say I am applauding that person, let me make it clear: No, I am not. I am only stating the obvious. A dull or ignorant person could hardly come up with such an idea. Although many people are involved in it today, some only survive by working with or learning from others who are already in the business.

As we all know, internet fraud does not just begin on its own. Have you ever asked yourself what causes Yahoo? It did not come into existence just like that. There are factors that contributed to its emergence and that continue to push many young people into it today. In my opinion, the major causes are unemployment and poverty. You may disagree, but I still believe unemployment is one of the biggest reasons behind it. Think of it this way: when there are no jobs, crime becomes more attractive. Of course, the cost of living in Nigeria is very high. What do we expect from the citizens? Sometimes, I do not completely blame those who resort to scamming because they believe they have no other option. Even they know what they are doing is wrong, but they often justify it by saying, "Man must survive."

Many young men once said to themselves, "I cannot do Yahoo because it is wrong. I cannot scam people." However, due to the harsh realities of life, some later became involved in it. Some people may argue that they have hands and legs to learn a skill or start a business. As the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, recently said, "With a small amount of money, you can start an akara, roasted corn, or kuli-kuli business." While many young people still choose to learn skills and start legitimate businesses, others simply desire a soft life and quick wealth. Yahoo is no longer limited to young men alone. It may surprise many people that some young women are also involved in internet fraud.

On the other hand, prostitution is rarely a childhood dream. No one grows up saying, "I want to become a prostitute." Many young women go into prostitution because of poverty and hunger, popularly referred to by many Nigerians as "sapa." Some single mothers, determined to provide for their children, sacrifice their bodies to pay school fees, house rent, and provide food for their families. Many of them already have businesses, skills, or jobs, but the rising cost of food, fuel, gas, and other necessities has made survival increasingly difficult. While prices continue to rise, salaries and business income often remain the same. As a result, some believe they have no choice but to engage in prostitution to survive.

However, not every woman who engages in prostitution does so because of poverty. Some do it because they desire a more luxurious lifestyle. They want the latest iPhones, expensive wigs, designer bags, and other luxury items. Some students even travel from their schools to other states, missing lectures for days, to meet wealthy men or Yahoo boys who are willing to pay them large sums of money.

One perceived benefit of Yahoo is wealth. Fraudsters are often associated with financial success. Whenever people hear the term "Yahoo boy," many assume the person is financially comfortable. Some have invested their money in land, houses, cars, and other properties. These are usually those who realise that Yahoo cannot last forever and decide to invest while they still can. Another attraction is that they do not have to report to an office every day. They work from home and make money.

However, every advantage comes with disadvantages. One major consequence of internet fraud is the financial devastation suffered by victims, some of whom lose their life savings and, in extreme cases, take their own lives. Fraudsters also face the risk of losing clients and income, leaving them back where they started. Some even progress from Yahoo to the more dangerous practice known as Yahoo Plus, involving ritual-related crimes. In pursuit of quick wealth, some have been accused of committing violent crimes, including murder. Many fraudsters also develop habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, and drug abuse.

As for prostitution, many of those involved earn just enough to survive rather than to build a better future. Much of the money they make is spent on the very needs that pushed them into prostitution. Some acquire phones, wigs, bags, and other personal items, while others use the money to provide for their families and meet essential responsibilities.

The consequences of prostitution include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs and STIs), such as HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhoea. It can also lead to unwanted pregnancies, leaving some children without fathers. Some women resort to abortion, and in some cases, complications from unsafe abortions have claimed lives. Prostitution has negatively affected the lives of many young women.

Finally, one important question remains: Can the problems of cyber fraud and prostitution be resolved? Even if the government provides more employment opportunities, will everyone involved abandon these activities? This remains a question that both the government and society must continue to address.