From Unemployment to Yahoo Yahoo: A Sociological Analysis of the Drivers and Consequences of Internet Fraud Among Nigerian Youths

Abstract

Internet fraud, popularly known in Nigeria as Yahoo Yahoo, has become one of the most pressing social challenges confronting the nation, particularly among unemployed and economically vulnerable youths. In recent years, the phenomenon has evolved beyond conventional online scams into the more dangerous practice known as Yahoo Plus, in which internet fraud is allegedly combined with ritualistic beliefs and other criminal activities in pursuit of wealth. This study investigates the sociological drivers and consequences of Yahoo Yahoo and Yahoo Plus among Nigerian youths, with particular emphasis on the role of unemployment, poverty, peer influence, materialism, and weak social institutions. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected respondents. In contrast, qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with key informants, including community leaders, security personnel, youth representatives, and academics. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, whereas qualitative data were subjected to thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that persistent unemployment, economic hardship, the glorification of wealth on social media, peer pressure, and declining moral values significantly contribute to youths' involvement in Yahoo Yahoo and its emerging variant, Yahoo Plus. The study further found that the increasing shift toward Yahoo Plus reflects a dangerous escalation in criminal behaviour with profound implications for public safety, social cohesion, and Nigeria's international image. The paper recommends sustained youth employment programmes, entrepreneurship development, ethical reorientation, strengthened cybercrime enforcement, community engagement, and improved collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, religious organizations, and families to address both the structural and cultural factors driving internet fraud.