In Ekiti, students abandon school for online scam as mums form ‘Iya Omo Ologo Association’

In Ekiti State, a concerning trend has emerged as secondary school students increasingly turn to online scams rather than attending classes, prompting local mothers to organize themselves into a group called the ‘Iya Omo Ologo Association.’ This development has sparked alarm among educators, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders, highlighting a troubling shift in youth behavior and raising questions about the future of education and crime prevention in the region. The issue gained attention after reports surfaced that students in areas like Ikere-Ekiti and Ado-Ekiti are skipping school to engage in cybercrime, commonly referred to as ‘Yahoo Yahoo.’ These activities include creating fake social media profiles, targeting both domestic and international victims through digital platforms, and using cryptocurrencies to launder stolen funds. According to officials, some students are combining their studies with fraudulent activities, convinced that academic credentials are unnecessary for achieving financial success. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which recently established an office in Ado-Ekiti, has been actively investigating these cases. The commission's chairman, Ola Olukoyede, an indigenous son of Ikere-Ekiti, expressed deep concern over the phenomenon. He noted that many students leave school before lunchtime, gathering in hotels and other locations to plan and execute scams. Some have even begun operating vehicles, suggesting a level of organization and sophistication previously unseen in such crimes. Olukoyede warned that the scope of the problem extends beyond mere fraud. He revealed that some of these youths are involved in more severe criminal activities, including kidnapping and banditry. Furthermore, he highlighted that these groups are being used to launder money for politically exposed persons, with proceeds often funneled into cryptocurrency wallets and subsequently moved abroad. This process allows criminals to acquire assets such as real estate and vehicles, further complicating efforts to track and apprehend offenders. In response to the rising threat, mothers in affected communities have formed the ‘Iya Omo Ologo Association,’ a collective aimed at protecting children from falling prey to the lure of cybercrime. While the exact number of members and the association’s operational structure remain unclear, the initiative reflects a grassroots effort to address the crisis from within the community. Meanwhile, the presence of the EFCC in Ado-Ekiti has led to noticeable changes in local business environments. Operators of hotels, lounges, restaurants, and entertainment venues have reported a drop in customer traffic, citing fears related to the agency’s anti-corruption campaigns. Some residents claim that former regulars have either relocated or drastically reduced their public appearances due to the risk of being investigated. For businesses reliant on such patronage, this decline has resulted in financial losses and uncertainty about the future. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the challenge remains how to effectively combat the growing influence of cybercrime among youth while ensuring educational institutions retain their role in shaping responsible citizens. With the stakes rising and the methods evolving, the fight against this emerging threat will require coordinated efforts from multiple sectors, including law enforcement, educators, and community organizations.