Yahoo Boys Fuel Stricter Visa Bans on Nigerians – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised concerns that internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo,” is worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.

According to a report by PUNCH, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede explained that fraudulent practices not only jeopardize the future of those involved but also tarnish Nigeria’s international image, resulting in stricter travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.

Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, gave the warning on Monday during an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. His remarks were contained in a statement issued by the commission on Tuesday.

“The EFCC boss highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities. Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.

Urging Nigerian youths to channel their energy into positive ventures, Olukoyede advised them to embrace digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry instead of internet fraud.

He was quoted as saying:
“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today.”

Olukoyede also reaffirmed EFCC’s readiness to intensify sensitisation, enforcement, and collaboration with communities to combat fraud and related crimes.

At the event, representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also spoke. NDLEA’s Mathew Ewah warned that drug abuse remains one of the most dangerous threats facing Nigerian youths, while NSCDC cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.

The EFCC has intensified its clampdown on cybercrime across the country. In August, operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, Lagos, after days of surveillance. Items recovered included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.

Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers, for fraud-related offences. Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sentenced them after they pleaded guilty to charges bordering on advance fee fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds of crime.

In July, the United States announced a revision of its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, reducing the validity of certain non-immigrant visas to three months and restricting them to single entry. The affected categories include the B1/B2 visas for business and tourism, as well as F and J visas for students and exchange visitors.