AN ASSESSMENT OF YOUTH PERCEPTION OF YAHOO YAHOO PRACTICE IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Yahoo-yahoo also known as cybercrime is a worldwide problem that has crossed many national borders. It has evolved throughout time into many phases and is still evolving now. According to Clough, (2015), dating back to the 60s until present, cybercrime is gradually updating as technology develops. Additionally, in 1960, cybercrime focused on physical destruction of computer system parts and stored data. In the mid-1960s, the United States criminal abuse focused on databases and the related risks to privacy. Similarly, in 1970s, traditional ways of committing crimes such as manual stealing was in place, however the innovation of computer modernized ways of stealing. Also, in 1980s, the number of computer systems increased, hence creating more potential targets for Cybercrimes.

The introduction of graphical interface “World Wide Web (WWW)” as led to a tremendous growth in the number of Internet users, and this invention also welcomed new challenges in the cyber world (Yee, 2000). It means more advanced functions, more perpetrators and more victims were active within the cyber space (Clough, 2015). At the dawn of the forth era of democratization in Nigeria in 1999, internet access through mobile phones dominated the society with roughly 350 000 users, which increased to approximately 120 million users by 2013 (Doppelmayr, 2013). During this time, an internet corporation named Yahoo, which provided multiple services such as email and search engines, was the global market leader. Yahoo maintained its dominance as a service provider for years in Nigeria which led to the name being used as slang to refer to the internet (Doppelmayr, 2013). Moreover, globalizing effect of introducing internet to Nigeria did not only advance the state of technology in the country but also birth social vices such as internet fraud popularly known as yahoo-yahoo. In Nigeria, cybercrime is locally referred to as Yahoo-Yahoo, Gee (pronounced in the form of the letter "G") [those who engage in this act are called yahoo boys, G-boys, Sa - ise boys, amongst a host of other names]. Given the foregoing, Tade (2015) argued that this criminal circus is male-dominated and that the majority of Yahoo - Yahoo boys are youth who are mainly found in tertiary institutions such as polytechnics and universities.

Furthermore, Oyo, (2000) explains that internet access enables Yahoo - Yahoo boys perpetrate crimes through the computer without being present at the crime scene. These crimes are executed by using fake identities on dating websites such as elite’ singles, match.com, claiming they are United States Army and intelligent officers on peace making mission to Afghanistan and other countries where war seems to be prevalent. They also disguise themselves by pretending to have goods to sell or an on-going project to be executed (Okeshola and Adeta, 2013); hence they request for financial aid from foreigners and get them cheated of their hard-earned money. Setting the above conversation in context, it is depressing that youths in Nigeria have turned to cybercrime in the hopes of living extravagant lives in the recent past. Regretfully, though, that these young people, who go by the nickname "yahoo-yahoo boys," have turned to this method of earning a living rather than continuing to look for white collar jobs. According to Odo and Odo (2015) the large number of perpetuators in Nigeria falls within the age bracket of 18 to 30 years of age. This situation has led to the undermining of Nigeria’s image both home and abroad (Okeshola and Adeta, 2013). Interestingly, social media has been added to the pool of tools used by these perpetuator, as many individuals have been victims of this crime and others continue to fall victims. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to assess youth perception of yahoo yahoo practice in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Technology advancement, which is meant to benefit all countries, is quickly turning into a channel for criminal activities. Individuals especially youths in Nigeria now hide under the faceless nature and the ease of access offered by the internet to perpetuate criminal acts. However, the challenges of unemployment, poverty and corruption are taking its tolls on the Nigerian youth who must struggle to survive. Hence, many of them take solace in cybercrime as a survival strategy. (Okeshola and Adeta, 2013).

Additionally, societal standards and perception of crime have changed so much overtime that the extravagant display of wealth by Yahoo-Yahoo boys is accepted and embraced by institutions and people without questioning it (Adejoh et al., 2019). It could be argued that the traditional values of integrity and honour have been replaced by money (Adekunle, 2019).

Furthermore, various efforts have been made by the Nigerian government at combating cybercrime but the outcomes leave much to be desired. Rather than cybercrime to be reduce it has continued to be on the increased. It is therefore imperative to address this menace and find lasting solutions to the problems of poverty, unemployment and corruption. On the other hand, the problem of yahoo-yahoo exists in all age categories, Nigerian youths are a particularly vulnerable group, as going to the university often represents the first move away from a students’ family with fewer associated restrictions on their activities (Shaffer, Donato, LaBrie, Kidman, LaPlante, 2015). Hence, this problem on youths involvement in yahoo-yahoo practices should not be overlooked since it has adverse effects on youth’s behaviour and the society as a whole and has become a nationwide concern in Nigeria. It is in the light of these that the study seeks to assess youth perception of yahoo yahoo practice in Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is on an assessment of youth perception of yahoo yahoo practice in Nigeria. Specifically, the study will;

1. Assess youth perception on the prevalence of yahoo yahoo practice in Nigeria.

2. Assess youth perception on the factors contributing to yahoo yahoo practice in Nigeria.

3. Assess youth perception on the implications of yahoo yahoo practice in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

1. To what extent is the prevalence of yahoo yahoo practice in Nigeria?

2. What are the factors contributing to yahoo yahoo practice in Nigeria?

3. What are the implications of yahoo yahoo practice in Nigeria?

1.5 Significant of the Study

This study aims to help the government to uncover the menace and nefarious act of yahoo-yahoo and be more proactive in combating cybercrime.

Furthermore, it will enable policy makers and security agencies in preventing the perpetration of cybercrime among youths in Lagos state. Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to an assessment of youth perception of yahoo yahoo practice in Nigeria

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on an assessment of youth perception of yahoo yahoo practice in Nigeria. Theoretically, this study will assess youth perception on the prevalence, factors contributing and the implications of yahoo yahoo practice in Nigeria.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to youths of Alimosho local government, Lagos state, Nigeria.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed.

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Youth: refers to a time when someone is young, or the quality of being young. Within the confines of the Nigerian society, the National Youth Policy in 2009 noted that a youth comprise of all persons within the age bracket of 18 to 35 years (te Lintelo, 2012).

Perception: refers to a widely held belief or opinion, often derived from how things appear. The way one think about something and their idea of what it is like.

Yahoo-yahoo (Cybercrime): refers to all forms of criminal acts perpetrated with the aid of internet.

Yahoo- yahoo boys: referred to as cybercriminals, youths who commit cybercrimes to make money, gain fame, etc.