The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed shock over a chilling incident in which a young man allegedly buried his mother alive in a bid to gain wealth.
The revelation was made by the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Directorate, ACE I Effa Imo Okim, during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council.
Okim described the incident as a grim reflection of how some Nigerian youths are increasingly being lured into criminal syndicates in pursuit of quick riches. He disclosed that the suspect had aligned himself with a group of internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, who took him to ritualists for supernatural empowerment.
“One of the demands made by the ritualists was that he must bury his mother alive,” Okim revealed. He narrated how the suspect, during a holiday visit, dug a grave within the compound. Taking advantage of his mother’s trust, he struck her with a heavy object, tied her up, and buried her alive to meet the ritualists’ requirements.
The EFCC official expressed deep concern that the activities of some Yahoo boys have now transcended cybercrime and evolved into violent and deadly acts, including targeting their own parents to fulfill ritual demands.
Warning the public—especially parents—Okim urged vigilance. “Parents must carefully observe the behaviour and activities of their children. This is crucial to prevent them from falling prey to criminal networks and ritualists,” he said.
Responding to questions from the NUJ Chairman, Bemdoo Ugber, who asked why the EFCC appears more focused on internet fraudsters than corrupt public officials, Okim clarified that the agency’s operations are not selective.
“The focus on Yahoo boys does not mean we are ignoring corrupt public office holders,” he stated. “But these boys are becoming increasingly dangerous. Some of them have turned to ritual killings, making life unbearable for innocent citizens. Our commitment to restoring sanity requires confronting this threat head-on.”
Okim lamented the alarming rise in ritual-linked violence among internet fraud syndicates and reaffirmed the EFCC’s determination to curb the trend.
“The activities of Yahoo boys are getting out of hand, and we are making every effort to reverse this disturbing pattern,” he added.
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