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Towards human dignity and the internet: The cybercrime (yahoo yahoo) phenomenon in Nigeria

Akanle, Olayinka ; Adesina, J. O. ; Akarah, E. P. (2016) — African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development

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DOI: 10.1080/20421338.2016.1147209 (opens in a new tab)

Type:   Journal Article
Country:   Nigeria
Tags:   Cybercrime, Internet Fraud, Law Enforcement, Nigeria, Phishing, Romance Scams, Yahoo Yahoo, Youth Unemployment
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Synopsis

            
This publication investigates the cybercrime phenomenon known locally as “yahoo yahoo” in Nigeria, with a focus on its interface with human dignity and development. The authors describe a mixed-methods study conducted in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria during 2013–2014, combining in-depth interviews with yahoo Yahoo practitioners and cybercafé operators, key informant interviews with security agents, and large-scale youth questionnaires. The study employs two theoretical lenses—the Institutional Anomie Theory and the Space Transition Theory of Crime—to analyze how social-structural factors and movement across spaces influence cybercriminal behavior, while also mapping operational dynamics of the trade. Findings characterize yahoo Yahoo actors as predominantly young Nigerians—though not exclusively—who engage in a range of online fraud practices (phishing, online dating scams, spam, identity theft, and misrepresentation) and employ a spectrum of payment channels, including traditional bank transfers, MoneyGram/Western Union, and in-house accomplice networks within banks. Unemployment, poverty, peer influence, and perceived greed emerge as principal drivers, with some emphasis on the role of social networks and even occult or “yahoo plus” strategies that purportedly augment scams. The study also identifies victims as diverse but notes a concentration of targets among foreigners, wealthy individuals, and those connected to financial systems; security enforcement is reported as hampered by information gaps and institutional constraints. In discussing implications, the authors connect the cybercrime rise to broader concerns for human dignity, development, and governance, arguing for employment-oriented policies, stronger social safety nets, and enhanced law-enforcement capability. They underscore that cybercrime reflects structural weaknesses and globalization-linked vulnerabilities, while noting practical enforcement challenges within Nigeria’s security apparatus. The piece presents a grounded portrait of a persistent, networked form of crime and its socio-economic context, without venturing into prescriptive or sensational guidance.

          

        
                  

            
Identified Gaps

            
The paper describes cybercrime, victim targeting, and enforcement largely from offenders, security personnel, café owners, and youth respondents in Ibadan. It provides limited direct evidence from victims, banks, platforms, or case records. Its discussion identifies weakly understood implications of the internet for dignity, privacy, protection, and development, and notes inadequate law-enforcement intelligence, location records, and offender information.

          

        
                  

            
Methods

            
A mixed-methods primary study was conducted in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, in 2013–2014. It used 10 in-depth interviews with Yahoo Yahoo participants and cybercafé owners, five key-informant interviews with security agents, and questionnaires reportedly distributed to 300 youths. Quantitative data were analyzed with statistical software and qualitative data through content analysis. The study applied Institutional Anomie Theory and Space Transition Theory of Crime.

          

        
                  

            
Limitations

            
The study is geographically limited to Ibadan and relies substantially on self-reported accounts from alleged offenders and related participants. The text does not specify sampling procedures, questionnaire response rates, analytic details, or how qualitative themes were derived. Reported sample figures are internally inconsistent: the method states 300 questionnaires, while Table 1 shows totals of both 293 and 393. Findings therefore should not be generalized confidently beyond the study context.

          

        
                  

            
Future Work

            
Develop coordinated international action against Yahoo Yahoo, involving stakeholders and nations. Strengthen youth-oriented employment, business support, and skill-acquisition policies to address drivers of cybercrime. Improve Nigerian law-enforcement infrastructure, capacity, intelligence gathering, and updated cyber laws. Research should also clarify how technological advances and offender networks affect the anticipated growth of online dating, phishing, scam messaging, and credit-card fraud.

          

              

    
    

        
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