Olayiwola Matthew
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised fresh alarm over what it called the disturbing evolution of internet fraudsters into ritual killers, citing a recent case in which a young man allegedly buried his mother alive in a desperate quest for wealth. The Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Directorate, ACE I Effa Imo Okim, revealed the details during a courtesy visit to the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Benue State.
During the meeting, NUJ Chairman Bemdoo Ugber questioned whether the Commission had shifted its focus away from corrupt public office holders and was now concentrating more heavily on suspects involved in “Yahoo-Yahoo.” The EFCC Zonal Director dismissed the suggestion, insisting that the agency remains fully committed to tackling corruption at all levels while reinforcing that the intensified clampdown on internet fraudsters is informed by their growing involvement in violent crimes, including ritual killings.
Okim explained that many of the so-called “Yahoo boys” have turned to ritualists in search of supernatural powers to boost illicit financial gains, adding that such practices now include the sacrifice of close relatives. He warned that this pattern shows an alarming level of moral decline and criminal desperation among young people.
The EFCC official referred to a recent viral video that reportedly showed a young man killing his mother for ritual purposes. He said the case should prompt parents to closely monitor the behavioural changes and social associations of their children, particularly those in tertiary institutions, to prevent such tragic outcomes.
He narrated that the suspect joined a cult-like group shortly after entering a tertiary institution, and the group allegedly connected him with a ritualist who demanded that he bury his mother alive as a condition for acquiring wealth-producing powers. According to Okim, the young man returned home during school holidays and secretly prepared a grave before attacking his mother under the pretext of spending time with her.
Okim said the suspect allegedly struck his mother in the mouth with a heavy object, tied her up and dragged her into the grave before burying her alive in line with instructions he had received. He stated, “Not only did he tie her, he dragged her into the grave and covered her with soil, all in compliance with the demands of the ritualists.”
The EFCC official described the case as one of the most horrifying examples of the extent to which some internet fraudsters now go in their pursuit of quick riches. He warned that society is heading toward a troubling future if urgent steps are not taken to curb the trend.
The agency urged parents, community leaders and educational authorities to intensify efforts to monitor young people more closely, stressing that early detection of behavioural changes may help prevent similar tragedies.