EFCC Blames Yahoo Boys for Tougher Visa Policies Against Nigerians

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned that the increasing cases of internet fraud are worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only ruin the future of those involved but also damage Nigeria’s international image, leading to tougher travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.

Represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, Olukoyede gave the charge on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. His remarks were contained in a statement released by the commission on Tuesday.

According to him, internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, stifling development and denying citizens access to jobs, infrastructure, and opportunities.

“Beyond the economic damage, these crimes erode Nigeria’s global reputation and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.

Olukoyede urged young people to channel their energy into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry. He warned: “Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them, and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today.”

He reaffirmed EFCC’s commitment to sensitisation, enforcement, and collaboration with communities in the fight against cybercrime.

At the same event, representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cautioned against drug abuse and pipeline vandalism, describing them as major threats to Nigeria’s youth and economy.

The EFCC has in recent months intensified operations against cybercrime. In August, its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters in Ikorodu, recovering vehicles, phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.

Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate secured the conviction of 12 individuals for offences related to advance fee fraud and possession of fraudulent documents.

In July, the United States revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, cutting the validity of certain non-immigrant visas, including business, tourism, student, and exchange visitor categories, to three months with single entry only.