Man Takes Own Life After Losing N2.5m to Yahoo Fraudsters

A man identified as Utibe Eteffia, in his early 30s, has died by suicide after reportedly being defrauded of N2.5 million by suspected internet fraudsters, popularly referred to as Yahoo Boys.

According to Leadership, the deceased operated a Point of Sale (PoS) business before he was allegedly lured into a cyber scheme by online fraudsters, who introduced him to a Yahoo Plus cult network. After being manipulated and defrauded, he fell into deep distress, ultimately consuming a poisonous substance believed to have ended his life.

Utibe had reportedly shown signs of emotional distress prior to the incident. He posted cryptic messages on social media, including an image of a lit candle and a caption reading, “Do you believe in reincarnation?” He also urged followers to “be their brother’s keeper” and show compassion to others.

Neighbours said Utibe became withdrawn days before the incident. “Sometimes, he stayed indoors crying. He made late-night calls till 4:00 a.m. One day, he even asked me for rat poison, saying he needed it for rodents,” a neighbour recounted. He later obtained poison from a local chemist and traveled to his hometown in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Family sources revealed that he had asked his uncle for financial help upon arrival in the village. The uncle gave him N10,000, but Utibe, disheartened, reportedly remarked, “How much can N10,000 do?”

He was said to have attended a church service that evening, returned home late, and waited until everyone had gone to bed before taking the lethal substance. His lifeless body was found on the veranda the following morning.

Utibe, who lost his parents early in life, was raised by an aunt and relied on support from relatives and friends to start his PoS business. His alleged encounter with the cybercrime group deeply affected his mental health, leading to his tragic end.

A family member said investigations are ongoing: “We won’t bury him yet. We need to understand why he made that final decision.”

Authorities are yet to comment on the incident as the community mourns the loss.