EFCC Makes Staggering Revelations On Yahoo Boys, Human Rituals
THECONSCIENCENG NG reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm over a disturbing trend among internet fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo boys” or “G-boys.” According to the agency, many of these individuals are now resorting to dangerous ritualistic practices referred to as “Yahoo Plus” in a bid to boost their illicit activities.
In a recent post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the EFCC stated:
“G-boys are now going spiritual, involving themselves in rituals and making it the new usual. EFCC will come for any individual. Then, it won’t be business as usual.”
“Yahoo Plus” is said to combine traditional cybercrime tactics—such as phishing, romance scams, identity theft, and business email compromise—with occult practices, including the use of human body parts and blood rituals.
Mixed Reactions Trail EFCC’s Warning
The EFCC’s statement has sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms.
User @Hajimuba504 joked, “At this point EFCC needs a deliverance department to make Pastor join task force. Una go soon add ‘Chief Priest’ to recruitment list no worry.”
Criticism also came from @Odenigbo511, who wrote:
“EFCC, Our GDP was 800 Billion in 2014. Some people have looted it to 150 Billion in 2025 and it’s not Yahoo boys. But you haven’t prosecuted anyone.”
Another user, @Raypowerjustice, accused the EFCC of selective justice:
“Shameless criminal entity that can’t account for all the cars, phones, laptops, money and houses they seized. Where is Yahaya Bello? Politicians are your best friends, young boys are your enemies. You have resigned yet fake pastor Chairman.”
A Shift Towards Darker Tactics
The term “Yahoo boys” has long referred to young Nigerians engaged in online fraud, with many early scams conducted via Yahoo email—hence the name. Over the years, these schemes evolved into sophisticated cons, targeting victims globally through romance scams, fake business ventures, and identity theft.
“G-boys” is a slang variant often associated with a more flamboyant lifestyle—flashy cars, designer clothing, and extravagant displays of wealth, particularly on social media.
As law enforcement agencies like the EFCC increase pressure, some fraudsters are reportedly turning to spiritual means to evade capture and increase their “success.”
“Yahoo Plus” rituals range from the bizarre—such as using used sanitary pads for supposed invisibility—to deeply disturbing practices involving human body parts and sacrifices.
Some reports claim that native doctors, or witch doctors, instruct scammers on the types of human body parts required for specific outcomes. In one alleged case, rituals designed for digital sabotage were said to require “two left eyes” and the left breast of a young woman under 25 years of age.
A Real-Life Victim: The Brad Pitt Scam
Highlighting the far-reaching impact of internet fraud, a French woman, Anne Deneuchatel, published a memoir earlier this year titled Je ne serai plus une proie (“I Will No Longer Be a Prey”), detailing how she was defrauded of over €830,000 ($850,000) by scammers who impersonated Hollywood actor Brad Pitt.
According to her lawyer, Laurene Hanna, the fraudsters convinced Deneuchatel over a 14-month online relationship—from April 2023 to June 2024—that “Pitt” needed money for urgent kidney treatment and that his bank accounts were frozen due to an ongoing divorce with Angelina Jolie.
‘Yahoo School’ Busted in Lagos
In April, the Lagos State Police Command uncovered an illegal internet fraud training centre—referred to as a “Yahoo School”—in the Iju area of the state. The facility was reportedly used to train young recruits in cybercrime.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the arrest of four alleged ringleaders:
Chibuike Ihejika, 23
Stanley Ihejika, 22
Obiora Oyediba, 26
Emmanuel Oyedibe, 25
Six trainees were also apprehended, including 12-year-old Minachi Udochukwu. The others were:
Okorie Henry
Otoh Chisom, 20
Okeke Kwufrochikwu, 26
Uchenna Obeji, 26
Chinedu Ukachukwu, 23
Investigations revealed that the trainees were recruited from Anambra State and trained to carry out online scams. The proceeds of their fraudulent activities were allegedly seized by the ringleaders.
