Peter Obi has described internet fraudsters, known as Yahoo boys, as “creative and courageous geniuses” who need redirection rather than condemnation, drawing criticism amid concerns over Nigeria’s global image.
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has described Nigerian internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo boys, as “creative and courageous geniuses” who deserve redirection, not condemnation.
Speaking on Saturday at the “Money Beyond Wealth” conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, Mr Obi urged leaders to guide the youths’ ingenuity toward national development. “I told the youths that some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation,” he said.
Praising their courage and innovation, he added, “Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development. Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise.”
Mr Obi cautioned against the “reckless pursuit of money,” saying, “Leadership must lead by example, for a nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity.”
His comments have drawn mixed reactions, with critics arguing that praising cybercriminals sends the wrong message amid Nigeria’s struggle with online fraud.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, recently lamented that Yahoo boys had tarnished Nigeria’s image abroad, calling their actions “a national shame.”
International agencies, including the UK and US, have warned citizens about Nigerian online scams, as arrests and convictions of young Nigerians abroad continue to rise.