The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed grave concern over what it calls a “disturbing and worrisome new trend” among Nigerian online scammers, sometimes referred to as “Yahoo Boys.” The anti-graft organization claims that these cybercriminals are increasingly using ritualistic and spiritual rituals to intensify their fraudulent activities and increase their unlawful fortune more quickly.

The EFCC revealed in a comprehensive statement issued through its official X (previously Twitter) account on Friday, October 17, that intelligence from recent investigations shows that a number of suspects being questioned admitted to performing various rituals, sacrifices, and spiritual consultations in order to carry out “successful” cyber scams. The Commission named these people “G Boys,” a word that apparently refers to a new type of online scammers who combine occult rituals with online manipulation.

What started off as a digital crime committed via social media, emails, and hackers has now taken a perilous and superstitious turn, which deeply worries the EFCC. Part of the statement says: “A problematic phase has been marked by the progression of cybercrime from digital fraud to spiritual manipulation. In order to continue their illicit operations, many of these scammers are now looking for spiritual strength and protection rather than only using code or technical tactics.

A increasing desperation among young Nigerians pursuing income through illegal means is reflected in this situation, which the Commission called as morally and socially disturbing. The EFCC said that the moral and spiritual fiber of society, as well as national security, are being threatened by this unsettling mix of ceremonial activities and online fraud.

EFCC Vows to Intensify Crackdown on Cybercriminals

The EFCC pledged to step up operations, expand its intelligence network, and conduct more focused raids on hotspots that are known to shelter cybercriminals in reaction to the current trend. The agency stressed that it has already started investigating cases in which defendants are accused of using voodoo, charms, and other ritual objects in their fraudulent operations.

In its statement, the Commission advised Nigerians, especially parents and guardians, to be more aware of their children’s or wards’ abrupt changes in lifestyle. It issued a warning that the pursuit of rapid wealth frequently pushes young people to engage in risky behaviors that have the potential to permanently ruin their lives and reputations. “The EFCC will not stand by and let this threat escalate,” the organization emphasized. “We will make sure that anyone found guilty faces the full force of the law, and we are fully aware of the developments.”

No kind of ritual protection or spiritual support can keep criminals from facing justice, the EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to fighting all types of financial and online crimes. The statement also warned self-proclaimed prophets, herbalists, and spiritualists who provide services to cybercriminals that it is illegal in Nigeria to aid and abett crime, whether it be spiritual or otherwise.

“G Boys are now going spiritual, involving themselves in ritual and making it the new normal,” the EFCC added in its post. It won’t be business as usual if the EFCC comes after any person. Since then, this piece has generated a lot of online replies from Nigerians, many of whom have expressed surprise and dismay at how far some young people will go in order to get material wealth.

The EFCC reaffirmed its steadfast dedication to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system while cautioning that cybercrime continues to be a significant national issue that damages Nigeria’s reputation outside and erodes international trust in its digital transactions.

The Commission also gave Nigerians the reassurance that its agents are already working nonstop to take down cybercrime networks in key cities like Lagos, Abuja, Benin, and Port Harcourt. It stated that recent arrests have provided important information on the growing spiritual aspects of Yahoo-related activities, which will guide further inquiries.

The EFCC ended by restating that justice will be served regardless of how sophisticated or spiritually strong the scammers think they are. The agency said, “Crime has no hiding place.” “Until cybercrime and ritual-driven fraud are eradicated from the country, the EFCC will keep pursuing all offenders.”

Additionally, it urged educators, religious organizations, and community leaders to work together to uphold moral principles and deter the perilous glamorization of illegal money that is rapidly undermining social values among young Nigerians.