CULTURAL BELIEFS AND SPIRITUAL FORTIFICATION IN CYBERCRIME: A STUDY OF YAHOO BOYS IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

Background of the Study

Cybercrime, particularly internet fraud, has become an entrenched problem in Nigeria, with Yahoo Boys, a term referring to young men involved in fraudulent online activities, playing a central role in the phenomenon. In Benin City, Edo State, these individuals often combine traditional cultural beliefs with modern-day criminal practices, especially cybercrime. A growing body of evidence suggests that Yahoo Boys frequently engage in spiritual fortification to enhance their success in fraudulent activities (Madukasi, 2023). This spiritual fortification often involves the use of cultural practices such as juju and other traditional forms of witchcraft, which are believed to protect them from law enforcement, enhance their abilities to deceive victims, and guarantee financial success (Ajayi, Adesope & Oso, 2025).

Benin City is a hub for cultural practices, particularly those rooted in the traditional Edo religion, where spiritual rituals and beliefs in supernatural forces remain prevalent. In this context, Yahoo Boys use various rituals to attract success, mitigate the risks of being caught, and fortify themselves spiritually (Graham & Smith, 2024). These practices are typically performed with the belief that they will provide not just material wealth but also protection from the spiritual and legal consequences of their illegal actions. Despite the widespread knowledge of this phenomenon, academic research into the cultural and spiritual practices associated with cybercrime in Benin City is sparse.

 

Statement of the Problem

While the prevalence of Yahoo Boys and their involvement in cybercrime has been extensively studied, the role of cultural and spiritual fortification in enhancing their criminal activities remains under-explored. In Benin City, the merging of cultural beliefs with modern-day cybercrime activities raises important questions regarding the societal impact and perpetuation of both spiritual and legal norms. This study aims to investigate the link between cultural beliefs and spiritual fortification in the success of cybercrime among Yahoo Boys in Benin City, Edo State, and the underlying factors that contribute to these practices.

 

Objectives of the Study

To examine the role of cultural beliefs in shaping the practices of Yahoo Boys in Benin City, Edo State.

To explore the types of spiritual fortifications used by Yahoo Boys to enhance their success in cybercrime.

To assess the impact of these spiritual fortifications on the social and legal outcomes of cybercriminal activities in the region.

 

Research Questions

How do cultural beliefs influence the practices of Yahoo Boys in Benin City, Edo State?

What types of spiritual fortifications are commonly used by Yahoo Boys to enhance their success in cybercrime?

What are the social and legal consequences of spiritual fortification in the cybercriminal activities of Yahoo Boys in Benin City?

 

Significance of the Research

The significance of this study lies in its exploration of the intersection between cultural beliefs, spirituality, and cybercrime, which has not been extensively studied in Benin City. By focusing on Yahoo Boys' use of spiritual fortification, the research will contribute to understanding the socio-cultural drivers of cybercrime in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study will offer insights that could help law enforcement and policymakers in addressing the cultural and spiritual dimensions of cybercrime, thus improving the effectiveness of interventions aimed at curbing this illegal practice.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Research

This research will be focused on Yahoo Boys in Benin City, Edo State, specifically looking at their use of cultural and spiritual fortifications in cybercrime. The study will not extend to other forms of cybercrime unrelated to internet fraud or to other regions outside Benin City. The research is also limited by the willingness of participants to discuss their involvement in both cybercrime and ritual practices, which may affect the availability and accuracy of data.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Cybercrime: Criminal activities conducted over the internet, particularly involving fraud, scams, and identity theft.

Yahoo Boys: Individuals involved in internet fraud in Nigeria, typically targeting foreign nationals for financial gain.

Cultural Beliefs: Shared customs, traditions, and practices that influence the worldview and actions of a particular group.

Spiritual Fortification: The use of spiritual or religious rituals, including juju, to enhance personal success and protect individuals from harm or detection.

 

List of References

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 J

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