Don’t Stop The Hustle, Scam Colonizers More, Not Fellow Africans’: Nigerian Abroad Charge Yahoo Boys
By Musiliu Opeyemi
A viral video featuring a Nigerian expatriate has sparked widespread outrage and debate online after he urged internet fraudsters, commonly known as “yahoo boys,” to continue their illicit activities—but only against foreign individuals he termed “colonizers.” This commentary has led many to question the ethics of his stance amidst ongoing economic challenges in Nigeria, as reported by Eyes Of Lagos.
Details from the Viral Clip
In the video, the individual passionately discussed the dire economic conditions facing Nigerians, arguing that surviving on a typical salary has become increasingly untenable. He stated:
“If you dey do yahoo, my brother, my sister, I no discourage you at all. The things wey dey happen in Nigeria dey burst my head. How can a normal average Nigerian survive on a Nigerian salary?”
He expressed solidarity with those engaged in fraud, reiterating:
“If anybody ask me say you dey do this, I no go snitch on anybody because I know how hard it is now in Nigeria.”
However, he insisted that fraudsters should avoid defrauding fellow Africans, asserting:
“Abeg, please don’t be collecting money from our Africa brothers and sisters. The money wey you suppose collect na from our colonizers.”
Backlash from the Comments
The video rapidly gained traction, leading to criticism for apparently validating cybercrime while living abroad. Many Nigerians condemned his perspective, arguing that economic hardship does not legitimize criminal behavior.
Social media reactions were swift and harsh:
- A_Lacastar commented, “See deportation smiling at you.”
- Kurlinx questioned the appropriateness of such comments from a Nigerian abroad, asking, “Is this a good thing to say by a Nigerian abroad? Is this free speech?”
- Owilaa replied, “So because na oyinbo dem dey scam, e suddenly make sense? Scam na scam abeg.”
- Olumax3028 remarked, “Bro doesn’t even look like a Nigerian. I’ll call him Brazilian before calling him a Nigerian.”
- JAdeliyi added, “Nonsense talk jare… nah thief dem be jare. All these issues isn’t an excuse.”
The incident has reignited a larger conversation about Nigeria’s economic struggles and the ethical dilemmas linked to survival tactics, particularly in the digital age where cybercrime is prevalent.
