Mr. Chidiebere Ihediwa, a cybersecurity specialist and renowned software developer, has recommended that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) adopt methods to re-orient arrested educated online fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo Boys,” into information technology specialists. Ihediwa suggested that this approach would be more beneficial than allowing them to remain in detention or face destructive consequences.
Speaking during an award ceremony held in his honor at the Police Officers Mess in GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Ihediwa emphasized the need for a shift in perspective. He asserted that knowledge could be categorized into positive and negative, and even though some cyber fraudsters may be educated, their knowledge is often at odds with the positive knowledge required for societal development.
The cybersecurity specialist advocated for redirecting the skills and knowledge of “Yahoo Boys” towards meaningful ventures, citing the potential advantages for the nation in doing so.
During the award ceremony, Mr. Chris Oji, a representative of the award host (Cornerstone.ng), expressed that Ihediwa deserved the recognition due to his outstanding contributions to software development and information technology in Nigeria.
In a related development, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki revealed plans to provide training for repentant internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “yahoo boys,” in advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and other vocational skills. This initiative is part of the proposed technology park in the state, aiming to equip individuals with valuable skills for the future.