‘Yahoo boys’ fueling visa restrictions for Nigerians, says EFCC
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised concern that the surge in cybercrime is contributing to stricter visa conditions for innocent Nigerians abroad.
According to the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, fraudulent activities not only jeopardise the future of perpetrators but also damage Nigeria’s global reputation, making international travel increasingly difficult for law-abiding citizens.
Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, gave the warning on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an event organised 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.
He urged youths in the South-South and across the country to channel their talents into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.
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 the EFCC’s commitment to intensifying awareness campaigns, enforcement measures, and collaboration with communities in the fight against fraud and related crimes.
At the same event, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mathew Ewah, cautioned that drug abuse remains one of the greatest threats to Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) warned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.
The EFCC has in recent months stepped up its crackdown on cybercrime nationwide. In August, operatives from its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, after days of surveillance. Items recovered included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.
Similarly, the commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate secured the conviction of 12 individuals, including two brothers, on charges relating to advance fee fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds of crime. Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court sentenced them after they pleaded guilty.
Meanwhile, in July, the United States revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, reducing the validity of certain non-immigrant visas to three months and restricting them to single entry. The categories affected include the B1/B2 visas for business and tourism, as well as F and J visas for students and exchange visitors.
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