By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
In recent years, the disturbing rise of cyber fraud, popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo, has become a defining issue among Nigerian youths. What started as internet scamming has now morphed into ritualistic practices, with devastating consequences.
More shocking, however, is not just the involvement of young people but the role parents and guardians play in either turning a blind eye—or openly supporting—the fraudulent lifestyle.
It is no longer strange to see a parent praying over a brand-new car or house purchased with proceeds from fraud, even when they know their child has no legitimate source of income. From pastors’ sons to children of supposed moralists, the normalization of fraud is creeping into society at alarming speed.
Rather than asking hard questions, many parents now welcome the “blessings” with thanksgiving.
Why does this happen?
The first reason is poverty. Many Nigerian families live in dire conditions, with parents struggling to provide basic needs. When their children suddenly “make it big,” even if through suspicious means, the relief of escaping hardship often outweighs moral judgment. Parents who once preached against dishonesty begin to justify it, telling themselves that at least their family will no longer suffer.
Another factor is societal pressure. In communities where wealth and status are celebrated, parents also crave respect. A father whose son pulls up in a luxury car is suddenly respected in his neighborhood, while a mother with a “rich child abroad” gains influence among her peers. For many parents, the shame of being poor outweighs the shame of being associated with fraud.
Religious hypocrisy also plays a role. Many parents, including church leaders, condemn fraud from the pulpit but endorse it in private when their own children are involved. Pastors have been known to bless cars or houses donated by fraudsters, closing their eyes to the obvious source of wealth. This contradiction leaves young people confused, teaching them that morality is flexible if wealth is involved.
There is also fear. Some parents know their children are into Yahoo Yahoo but dare not confront them. They fear losing financial support or even being harmed if their children are deeply involved in ritualistic practices. Silence becomes their coping mechanism.
Unfortunately, this parental complicity only fuels the spread of cybercrime. When young people see that their parents will not question, but instead enjoy the benefits of ill-gotten wealth, more are emboldened to join. The cycle becomes generational: youths defraud, parents celebrate, society claps.
The long-term consequences are devastating. Beyond tarnishing Nigeria’s image internationally, Yahoo Yahoo erodes values, replacing honesty and hard work with greed and deception. Worse, with the rise of ritualistic practices tied to fraud, lives are being lost.
Closing Thought
Parents are meant to be the first line of discipline and moral guidance. But when they trade conscience for comfort, they become silent partners in a destructive culture.
Breaking this cycle requires courage. Parents must return to their role as guides, not beneficiaries. To save the future, families must stop blessing fraud and start teaching integrity.
