Cybersecurity Expert Advocates Reorientation for Arrested Yahoo Boys
By Matthew Eloyi
Mr Chidiebere Ihediwa, a cybersecurity specialist, has recommended that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should adopt measures to reorient arrested educated online fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo Boys,” and guide them towards becoming information technology specialists.
Ihediwa, a renowned software developer, emphasized this suggestion during an award ceremony held in his honour at the Police Officers Mess, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Ihediwa highlighted the importance of transforming the skills of arrested individuals involved in cyber fraud into a positive force rather than allowing them to languish in detention or face destructive outcomes.
He stated, “Knowledge can be categorized into two – positive and negative,” emphasizing that even though many cyber fraudsters possess education, their knowledge is often misaligned with the ideal positive knowledge necessary for societal development.
“The re-direction of the knowledge of the Yahoo boys to meaningful ventures will be of great advantage to the nation,” Ihediwa remarked.
The award ceremony, hosted by Cornerstone.ng, aimed to recognize Ihediwa’s outstanding contributions to software development and information technology in Nigeria. Mr. Chris Oji, a representative of Cornerstone.ng, expressed that Ihediwa deserved the award for his significant impact in these fields.
Adding to the discourse, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, unveiled plans to train repentant internet fraudsters, colloquially referred to as ‘yahoo boys,’ in advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and other vocational skills. The proposed initiative is part of the governor’s larger vision for a technology park in the state.
The emphasis on reorienting and training individuals involved in cyber fraud aligns with a broader perspective of channelling their skills towards constructive purposes, fostering positive contributions to society.
