Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has sparked widespread outrage after describing internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo boys” as “geniuses who need redirection.”
Speaking on Saturday at the Golden Health Conference in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi said many of those engaged in online scams possess exceptional creativity that could benefit Nigeria if properly guided.
However, the comment has drawn strong criticism from Nigerians who see it as an attempt to romanticize cybercrime and excuse criminal behavior rather than confront it head-on.
“Some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development,” Obi said at the event themed “Money Beyond Wealth.”
While Obi’s supporters argue that he was advocating rehabilitation and youth empowerment, many Nigerians believe his statement sends a dangerous moral signal to impressionable youths. Social commentators, religious leaders, and anti-corruption advocates have faulted him for what they described as a reckless attempt to justify crime in the name of talent.
Some observers noted that as a former state governor and presidential hopeful, Obi should have been more cautious with his words, emphasizing that no form of fraud or deceit should ever be excused under any circumstance.
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According to a Lagos-based sociologist, Dr. Abayomi Akinlade, “Peter Obi’s comment is disappointing. When a national figure calls fraudsters geniuses, he risks emboldening criminality. Our young people already struggle with moral confusion. We need strong condemnation, not glorification, of online theft.”
The statement has since ignited a firestorm on social media platforms, with many accusing Obi of attempting to water down the gravity of cybercrime that has tarnished Nigeria’s image globally. Critics argue that Yahoo activities are not harmless pranks but organized crimes that destroy lives, ruin trust, and attract international sanctions.
Several online users pointed out that rather than describing scammers as “creative,” Obi should have highlighted the pain and reputational damage caused by internet fraud.
A human rights activist, Mrs. Ifeoma Opara, stated:
“Creativity without morality is destruction. These so-called Yahoo boys scam hardworking people out of their savings. To call them geniuses is to insult millions of honest Nigerians struggling to survive.”
Analysts believe Obi’s remarks may have been a populist attempt to appeal to young Nigerians, many of whom are frustrated with unemployment and a lack of opportunities. However, they warn that the comment risks undermining the moral fabric of society.
“Every generation has its misguided youth,” said Prof. Monday Irek, a political scientist at the University of Abuja. “Leadership is not about praising their misdirection but about setting firm ethical boundaries. Peter Obi’s comment blurs those lines.”
Critics further argue that by labeling Yahoo boys as “misguided geniuses,” Obi indirectly shifts blame away from personal responsibility. They say such language feeds into a culture where corruption and fraud are rationalized instead of being condemned.
A civic group, the Centre for Digital Accountability (CDA), released a statement on Sunday saying: “Yahoo boys don’t need glorification; they need reformation. The same intelligence used to defraud can only be redirected after justice and repentance, not before. Mr. Obi’s remarks were insensitive to victims of cybercrime.”
Ironically, Obi’s speech was delivered at an event themed “Money Beyond Wealth”, which sought to explore ethical ways of building prosperity through integrity and purpose. Critics have pointed out that his statement contradicted the very spirit of the program, which was meant to discourage the reckless pursuit of money.
Several attendees reportedly expressed shock at Obi’s choice of words, suggesting that the comment may have overshadowed the core message of his presentation.
As reactions continue to mount, Obi’s media aides have yet to issue a formal clarification or retraction. Political observers say the former governor’s reputation for moral discipline and integrity may take a hit if he fails to address the backlash directly.
“Peter Obi built his image on clean politics and accountability,” said Kenechukwu Okafor, a youth advocate in Awka. “Comments like this risk undoing that image. Leadership is about drawing a firm moral line, not painting criminals as misunderstood geniuses.”
While Peter Obi’s call for youth redirection could be interpreted as an appeal for rehabilitation, his language and tone have raised ethical red flags. Critics insist that in a nation battling corruption and moral decay, public figures must be careful not to appear sympathetic to crime, no matter their intentions.
For now, Obi faces the daunting task of clarifying his stance and convincing Nigerians that he does not, in any way, excuse or glorify cyber fraud.
