Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

Internet fraud, commonly referred to as 'yahoo-yahoo' in Nigeria, has become a widespread phenomenon that seems to gain a disturbing level of social acceptance as time goes on. Media reports are filled with accounts of the various ways internet fraudsters operate, ranging from subtle manipulations to blatant criminal activities. A significant number of Nigerian youths have fully embraced this lifestyle, abandoning the values of hard work, patience, integrity, and gradual progress, often disregarding the importance of education altogether. This shift carries heavy social and ethical consequences for the nation. Drawing on Robert Merton's structural strain theory and Aristotle's virtue ethics, this paper qualitatively investigates the rise of these dishonest practices among Nigerian youth and explores their broader implications. Through interviews, observations, and literature reviews, the study finds that internet fraud is deeply embedded in the Nigerian social fabric, fueling a "get-rich-quick" culture that disrupts national stability and threatens the country's future. The paper suggests that the government, families, and religious institutions must work together to educate, guide, and hold these criminals accountable. By examining this issue through sociological and ethical lenses, this research aims to provide actionable insights to help combat the problem.

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