Edo Expands Anti‑Cultism Law to Target “Yahoo Boys”

The Edo State Government announced plans to broaden the scope of its anti‑cultism legislation to include internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys,” in an effort to curb escalating criminal activity in the state.

State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Prince Kassim Afegbua made the statement on Tuesday, May 19 2026, during the state’s quarterly media briefing.

In 2025, the state had passed the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, which imposes harsher penalties for cult‑related offences, including imprisonment and confiscation of property.

Afegbua linked the issue of insecurity to the recent murder of a 200‑level Political Science part‑time student at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), identified as Mr. Alexander. He said the killing was connected to an internet fraud dispute.

“A young man who went to write his exam at the University of Benin was killed by gunmen suspected to be his business colleagues,” Afegbua said. “They claimed he had money that belonged to the group, lodged in his account. When he said he would come back the next day, they felt he was trying to play them. They tracked him to the university after he finished his exam and attacked him in a gruesome manner. They killed him. I do not know whether they obtained the money. You have taken the life of a young man.”

He added that the investigation is ongoing and that some suspects have already been arrested. Afegbua expressed confidence that security agencies would pursue the case to a logical conclusion.

Reiterating Governor Monday Okpebholo’s zero‑tolerance stance on cultism and other crimes, Afegbua urged residents to resume normal activities without fear. “The state government has made it clear that our approach to cultism is zero tolerance. You can conduct your business and hold meetings without bloodletting,” he said. “What is the rationale for belonging to a cult that merely drains your blood? It doesn’t make sense.”

He announced that the anti‑cultism law would now also cover Yahoo boys, noting that as cultism is tackled directly, some offenders are hiding behind the guise of internet fraud to continue their activities.

Afegbua called on young people to redirect their energy toward constructive ventures that benefit society. He vowed that public frustration would not deter the state from its fight against cultism, pledging continued commitment to addressing the social crisis.