INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF RITUAL PRACTICES IN ENHANCING CYBERCRIME SUCCESS AMONG YAHOO BOYS IN IJEBU-ODE, OGUN STATE

Background of the Study

Cybercrime, especially in the form of internet fraud, commonly referred to as "Yahoo Yahoo" in Nigeria, has become an alarming societal issue in recent years. Yahoo Boys, as the perpetrators are known, engage in activities such as email scams, identity theft, and financial fraud, often targeting foreign nationals. However, it has been observed that some individuals involved in cybercrime practice ritualistic acts in conjunction with their illegal activities. These rituals, often derived from traditional African religious practices, are believed to enhance the success of their cybercriminal endeavors (Akanle & Shadare, 2020). In Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, where traditional Yoruba religious practices are deeply rooted, there is a significant intersection between cybercrime and ritualism, which is often referred to as “Yahoo Plus” (Ajayi, Adesope & Oso, 2025). The role of rituals in the success of these cybercriminal activities remains understudied, making it imperative to explore this connection.

The link between cybercrime and ritualistic practices is not a novel development in Nigeria. Rather, it is a growing phenomenon where cultural beliefs and modern-day criminal activities merge. Rituals performed by Yahoo Boys are typically meant to provide protection from law enforcement, guarantee the success of fraudulent schemes, and enhance the financial gain associated with their crimes (Graham & Smith, 2024). These rituals, which range from blood sacrifices to other forms of spiritual invocations, are believed to invoke spiritual powers that shield the cybercriminals from detection and punishment (Madukasi, 2023). Understanding the role these practices play in cybercrime success is crucial in combating this disturbing trend and its socio-economic consequences.

 

Statement of the Problem

The rapid increase in cybercrime activities, particularly Yahoo Yahoo, and their intertwining with ritualistic practices is a major concern in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. While studies have shown that cybercrime in Nigeria is a result of various socio-economic factors, the specific role that ritual practices play in facilitating or enhancing the success of cybercrime activities remains insufficiently explored (Akanle & Shadare, 2020). Rituals, such as invoking spiritual forces or performing sacrifices, are thought to provide perpetrators with the strength to bypass the law, escape detection, and gain financial success. Despite this, there is a lack of empirical evidence detailing how these rituals function in conjunction with cybercriminal activities. This research aims to bridge this gap in knowledge by investigating the role of ritual practices in enhancing cybercrime success among Yahoo Boys in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

 

Objectives of the Study

To examine the types of ritual practices commonly employed by Yahoo Boys in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

To investigate the perceived impact of these rituals on the success of cybercrime activities.

To explore the socio-cultural factors that influence the relationship between ritual practices and cybercrime in Ijebu-Ode.

 

Research Questions

What are the common ritual practices employed by Yahoo Boys in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State?

How do Yahoo Boys in Ijebu-Ode perceive the effectiveness of these rituals in enhancing their cybercriminal activities?

What socio-cultural factors influence the connection between cybercrime and ritual practices in Ijebu-Ode?

 

Significance of the Research

This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between cybercrime and traditional practices in Nigeria, particularly within the Yoruba culture. By highlighting the role of ritual practices in enhancing the success of Yahoo Boys, the study will provide valuable insights for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and social scientists working to mitigate the growing problem of cybercrime in Nigeria. Additionally, the findings of this study will contribute to the development of culturally sensitive strategies for addressing both the economic and spiritual aspects of cybercrime. Furthermore, the study will shed light on the social dynamics and cultural factors that underpin the prevalence of cybercrime in the region, assisting in developing better preventative measures.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Research

The study will focus exclusively on Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, where ritualistic practices are commonly linked to cybercrime activities. The research will be limited to investigating Yahoo Boys and their use of rituals in enhancing cybercrime success. It will not extend to the broader scope of cybercrime in Nigeria, nor will it include other forms of criminal activities outside of internet fraud. The study is also limited by the availability of participants who are willing to openly discuss their involvement in both cybercrime and ritualistic practices, as many individuals involved in these activities may be reluctant to disclose such sensitive information.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Cybercrime: Criminal activities that involve the use of computers or the internet, including internet fraud, identity theft, and financial scams.

Yahoo Boys: A colloquial term used to refer to individuals who engage in internet fraud in Nigeria.

Ritual Practices: Traditional African religious practices involving spiritual invocations, sacrifices, or other rituals believed to enhance personal success or protection.

Yahoo Plus: A term used to describe the practice of combining cybercrime with traditional spiritual rituals for enhanced success in fraudulent activities.

 

List of References

Akanle, O., & Shadare, B. R. (2020). Why has it been so difficult to counteract cybercrime in Nigeria? Evidence from an ethnographic study. International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 14(1), 29-43.

Ajayi, T. M., Adesope, O. A., & Oso, I. O. (2025). Yahooism to ritualism: Ideological motivations for cyber fraud in selected Yoruba films. Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 43(1), 102-116.

Graham, R. S., & Smith, S. K. (2024). Cybercrime and digital deviance. Routledge.

Madukasi, F. C. (2023). Cybercrime and ritualism: The menace of "Yahoo Boys" and the demonization of traditional Igbo religion and society. GLOBAL ONLINE

JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH (GOJAR), 2(2).