Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
The disturbing nexus of fraud and violence has reared its head again in Benin City, Edo State, where a suspected internet fraudster was shot by his own syndicate members.
Truth Live News gathered that the gruesome attack occurred on Sunday along Okhoro Road, Egor Local Government Area, following an alleged dispute over N94 million in proceeds from an online scam.
According to the Edo State Police Command, the victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, is currently undergoing treatment at an undisclosed hospital. Eyewitnesses claim that the victim, locally referred to as an “Aza man”—a term for individuals who provide bank accounts for illicit transactions—was ambushed by gunmen in another vehicle while driving his SUV.
After being forced out of his car, he was shot at close range for allegedly refusing to share the funds with his syndicate.
This incident highlights a troubling trend among groups involved in internet fraud, often referred to as “Yahoo boys,” in Nigeria. Beyond their financial crimes, these groups are increasingly entangled in violent rivalries and even cult-related conflicts. Syndicate disputes over proceeds, territorial clashes, and betrayals have led to a sharp rise in targeted attacks, assassinations, and even ritual killings in parts of the country.
Experts say the intersection of fraud and violence is a byproduct of the desperation within these groups to secure their illicit earnings. “This is not just about financial crime; it’s about survival in an underworld ruled by greed and mistrust,” said a criminologist familiar with cybercrime syndicates in Nigeria.
The incident in Benin City reveals the broader social cost of internet fraud in Nigeria, where its perpetrators often attract young people with promises of fast wealth. However, the violent fallout serves as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking within such criminal enterprises.
As internet fraud continues to evolve into a more organized and dangerous enterprise, tackling it will require not only stricter law enforcement but also comprehensive measures to address youth unemployment and the erosion of values that fuel the phenomenon.