A young Nigerian lady has ignited heated conversations online after defending internet fraudsters, popularly known as ‘yahoo boys’, in a viral TikTok video.
Speaking via her handle @callme_naomie4, the lady argued that society is too quick to label yahoo boys as greedy and corrupt without acknowledging the deep-rooted struggles that push them into crime.
Broken Dreams and Desperation
According to her, many of these young men once had genuine dreams but were frustrated by poverty, unemployment, and a system that glorifies wealth while neglecting the poor.
She explained that some fraudsters endured sleepless nights studying in school, hoping to land jobs and build decent lives, only to face disappointment. For such individuals, she said, fraud appears less like a crime and more like an escape route.
“These guys are not born criminals but victims of a society that celebrates wealth and ignores the poor. The system put them in desperation. Yahoo is not about greed but broken dreams and silent pains. Do you know how it is to be 24 and still living in your family’s house without anything? You will feel useless for not providing,” she said.
A Call for Empathy
The TikToker stressed that yahoo boys should be viewed as human beings with shattered aspirations, not just criminals. She urged Nigerians to see beyond their illegal activities and understand the desperation that fuels their actions.
“When we see a young man doing yahoo, let’s not see them as fraudsters but human beings; that’s a young man who once had dreams, feels trapped and a victim of a system that failed him,” she added.
Public reactions to justification for Yahoo Boys
maxvayshia reacted: “Anywhere i see a Tiktok video of a little Gen Z girl, I don’t bother listening. I scroll past. 99.72% of the time, it is nonsense. Can never be anything useful.”
Mr_DaveChigozie opined: “They are not victim of any society, they chose to make the decision of involving themselves into doing YAHOO. So whatever consequences that comes with it they deserve it. Flee from doing YAHOO and make a LEGITIMATE earnings for yourself.”
thekingoftruths stated: “Armed Robbers are not born criminals. Organ traffickers are not born criminals. Kidnappers are not born criminals. Yahoo boys are not born criminals. They are ALL victims of a society that celebrates wealth and ignores the poor. It’s about broken dreams and silent pains.”
Edgar_8585 wrote: “Crime is a mindset. It’s the reason some people also have broken dreams but they will rather work at a gas station than get involved in fraud. Criminality is a state of conscience and not a result of broken dreams.”
manlikeralph25 opined: “Well she’s speaking truth tho. And tbh I feel like they’ve contributed to the growth of the economy. Let’s be logical how many civil servants can afford the economy today be trustful.”
Watch the video below …
“Yahoo boys are not born criminals. They are victims of a society that celebrates wealth and ignores the poor. It’s about broken dreams and silent pains” – Lady insists pic.twitter.com/E0xw4poymi
Her comments have since divided opinions online, with some agreeing that the system has failed young people, while others argue that fraud cannot be justified under any circumstances.
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