Yahoo Boys Behind Tougher Visa Restrictions On Nigerians – EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned that the activities of internet fraudsters, popularly called “Yahoo boys,” are worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians seeking to travel abroad.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said cybercrime not only ruins the future of those involved but also damages Nigeria’s image globally, resulting in stricter travel conditions.
Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, gave the warning on Monday at an event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Commission released a statement on the matter on Tuesday.
According to the EFCC statement, “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.”
Olukoyede urged young Nigerians to channel their energy into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry rather than cybercrime.
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.”
The EFCC boss also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to “intensifying sensitisation campaigns, enforcement efforts, and collaboration with local communities to curb cybercrime and related offences.”
These developments follow the July announcement by the United States of a revised visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, which reduced the validity of certain non-immigrant visas — such as B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) visas — to three months and limited them to single entry.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
