Accomplice Killed by Fraud Partner Over $1,000 Dispute

A 28-year-old man has been taken into custody by the police in Delta State for reportedly killing his friend and ex-classmate following an argument about how to divide the proceeds from an internet scam.

A video featuring a police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, detailed the crime and was shared with the media. The timing of the incident remains unspecified.

In the video, the suspect, who goes by the name Oghenegare, confessed to his involvement in internet fraud, commonly known as 'Yahoo Yahoo'.

Edafe communicated the details on Wednesday, highlighting that the victim, identified as Courage, aged 25, was murdered during a disagreement over the sharing of gains from their online fraudulent activities.

“The suspect killed his friend and former classmate during an altercation about their internet fraud dealings,” Edafe stated.

He explained, “The two entered into internet fraud together, but a disagreement arose during a transaction leading to a violent confrontation. The suspect used an object resembling a shovel to strike the victim.”

The suspect claimed ownership of the internet fraud venture, stating, “I am involved in internet fraud, known locally as Yahoo boy,” when questioned about his activities.

He alleged that Courage had initiated a job that was meant to bring in nearly $1,000 but subsequently locked him out by withholding the necessary WhatsApp login information.

During the struggle that ensued, the suspect stated he used a broken “sharp shovel,” which he kept for self-defense, to fatally wound Courage by hitting him in the head.

“I kept it for protection against thieves,” he explained to the police. He stated that he discarded the weapon to evade arrest.

Authorities are actively seeking the murder weapon, according to Edafe.

Furthermore, the suspect revealed that both he and the victim were affiliated with a cult known as Black Axe, with Courage referred to by his cult alias, “Vikings.”

When asked what he had gained from being involved in cult activities, he simply replied, “Nothing.”

The Ongoing Issue of Internet Fraud

Nigeria continues to face a significant problem with internet fraud, with law enforcement regularly conducting operations against various syndicates.

Last September, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission apprehended 28 suspected fraudsters in Ilorin and recovered luxury vehicles and other equipment linked to their illicit operations.

Investigations and reports show that internet fraud has deeply penetrated certain segments of Nigerian society, often luring young people with the promise of quick wealth and a luxurious lifestyle.