The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that “Yahoo boys” (internet fraudsters) are responsible for worsening visa restrictions imposed on Nigerians by various countries. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede made this claim on September 15, 2025, during an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.

He was represented by Chief Superintendent Coker Oyegunle, Head of the Advance Fee Fraud Section at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate.Olukoyede explained that the surge in cybercrimes like internet fraud and money laundering not only drains Nigeria’s economy of billions of naira annually but also damages the country’s global reputation, leading foreign nations to impose stricter visa policies on all Nigerian travelers, including innocent ones. He described these activities as a “trap” that destroys lives and futures, urging youths to pursue legitimate paths like entrepreneurship and innovation instead.