Yahoo Boys Reacts Over Arrest Of Members By EFCC

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

Suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as yahoo boys, operating in Lagos have been reacting over the arrest of members and warned the EFCC to stay clear from their illicit business of defrauding people.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that this followed the arrest and parade of 34 suspected internet fraudsters by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC operatives in Oshogbo, Osun State on Tuesday. 

Some of the yahoo boys, who spoke to our correspondent, said that it was wrong for the EFCC to be arresting their members indiscriminately whereas they knew there is no work to engage them who are mostly youths across Nigeria. 

One of suspects said, “Yahoo boys are not violent people and their businesses does not concern the Government to warrant incessant arrest and embracement”.
The Commission on Twitter, said that a former soldier and 33 others were arrested for suspected internet fraud by the Ibadan Zonal office on Tuesday.The arrest of the 34 suspected internet fraudsters led to a massive protest in Oshogbo. Many young people blocked major roads in the city on Tuesday morning.

They lamented the continuous harassment of young Nigerians by the EFCC. 
“Without any evidence, every young man in a flashy car is labelled a Yahoo Boy” one of them said. 

They also said that the EFCC is operating like armed robbers by breaking into people’s apartments at midnight. The protesters halted economic activities in Oshogbo. 

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission was set up to prosecute corrupt politicians, who mismanaged public funds. However, the Anti-graft agency is now after suspected internet fraudsters popularly yahoo Boys” they said.

P.M.EXPRESS findings revealed that while the ICPC targets corruption in the public sector, especially bribery, gratification, graft, and abuse or misuse of office, the EFCC investigates people in all sectors, who appear to be living above their means, and is empowered to investigate and prosecute money laundering and other financial crimes. By this EFCC is empowered to investigate financial crimes including internet fraudsters a.k.a Yahoo Boys.