How Yahoo Boy Tied, Dragged and Buried His Mother Alive for Ritual – EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as the alarming transition of internet fraudsters into full-blown ritualists, citing a recent case in which a young man buried his own mother alive in pursuit of wealth.
The Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Directorate, ACE I Effa Imo Okim, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benue State.
During the visit, NUJ Chairman, Bemdoo Ugber, wanted to know whether the Commission had shifted its attention from prosecuting corrupt public officials to focusing increasingly on “Yahoo-Yahoo” suspects.
But the EFCC Zonal Director rejected the claim, stressing that the Commission remains committed to fighting corruption at all levels.
He explained that the aggressive push against internet fraudsters stems from their escalation into violent criminality, including ritual killings.
According to Okim, many so-called “Yahoo boys” now patronise ritualists in search of supernatural powers to enhance illicit wealth. He warned that, in the process, some end up sacrificing family members, including their own parents.
Lamenting what he described as a disturbing trend, Okim referenced a viral video that allegedly captured a young man murdering his mother for a money ritual.
He said the incident should serve as a wake-up call to parents to observe the behavioural changes and associations of their children, especially those in higher institutions.
Narrating the incident, Okim said the young man joined a cult-like group shortly after gaining admission into a tertiary institution. The group allegedly led him to a ritualist who demanded that he must bury his mother alive to obtain wealth-making powers.
The EFCC official stated that the suspect returned home during school holidays and secretly dug a grave.
Under the guise of spending time with his mother, he allegedly struck her in the mouth with a heavy object, tied her up, dragged her into the grave and buried her alive as instructed.
“Not only did he tie her,” Okim said, “he dragged her into the grave and covered her with soil; all in compliance with the demands of the ritualists.”
He described the act as one of the most horrifying examples of how far young fraudsters now go in their desperation for quick riches, warning that society faces a frightening future if the trend is not urgently addressed.
The EFCC urged parents, community leaders and educational institutions to intensify efforts in monitoring children and young adults, emphasising that early detection of behavioural changes could prevent such tragedies.
