A Nigerian living abroad has sparked outrage online after a viral video surfaced of him openly encouraging internet fraudsters, popularly known as “yahoo boys,” to continue with their activities.
In the video, the man, speaking passionately, claimed he could not blame anyone involved in cybercrime in Nigeria, citing the harsh economic realities faced by ordinary citizens. He insisted that survival in the country had become nearly impossible on a regular salary.
However, his remarks have drawn widespread backlash, especially as he advised fraudsters to avoid targeting fellow Africans and instead focus on “colonizers.”
What he said in the viral clip
In the clip, the man stated, “If you dey do yahoo, my brother, my sister, I no discourage you at all. The things wey dey happen in Nigeria dey burst my head. How can a normal average Nigerian survive on a Nigerian salary?”
He further stressed that he would never report anyone engaging in fraud, saying, “If anybody ask me say you dey do this, I no go snitch on anybody because I know how hard it is now in Nigeria.”
Still, he pleaded that scammers should avoid defrauding Africans, saying: “Abeg, please don’t be collecting money from our Africa brothers and sisters. The money wey you suppose collect na from our colonizers.”
Why his comments caused outrage
The man’s comments quickly went viral because of how boldly he justified internet fraud, despite acknowledging its illegality. Many viewers expressed concern that such statements, made openly abroad, could fuel stereotypes about Nigerians.
His attempt to draw a moral line between defrauding Africans and foreigners also sparked debate, with many arguing that fraud in any form remains unacceptable.
Critics further questioned whether his frustrations about Nigeria’s economy were enough reason to encourage criminal activity, calling his stance reckless and damaging.
Social media reacts
The viral clip set off a storm of reactions online as Nigerians weighed in on his remarks.
A_Lacastar wrote: “See deportation smiling at you.”
Kurlinx said: “Is this a good thing to say by a Nigerian abroad? Is this free speech? Shey abroad don spoil reach like this for him to openly say this???”
owilaa commented: “So because na oyinbo dem dey scam, e suddenly make sense? Scam na scam abeg.”
olumax3028 added: “Bro doesn’t even look like a Nigerian. I’ll call him Brazilian before calling him a Nigerian.”
JAdeliyi wrote: “Nonsense talk jare… nah thief dem be jare. All these issue isn’t excuse.”
The controversial remarks continue to trend online, highlighting the growing tension between Nigeria’s harsh economic reality and the ethical debates around survival tactics.
Watch the video below…
If you dey do yah00 in Nigeria keep going, I don’t blam£ you guys, just don’t scvm your fellow African — Nigerian man abroad says! 👀 pic.twitter.com/vUk2bkcs4S
— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) October 3, 2025