"Rituals and fetishes": Disturbing revelations from an investigation into scammers in Nigeria

In Francophone Africa, they are called "brouteurs." In Nigeria, they are known as "Yahoo Boys." While these cybercriminals have been making headlines for years for their methods of manipulation on the Internet, a recent investigation conducted in the heart of Lagos has revealed an even more disturbing aspect: the systematic use of fetishism and occult practices.

An American investigator, who came to track cybercrime networks in Nigeria's economic capital, shared a chilling account of her immersion in the field.

To track down these new-style con artists, the investigator didn't hesitate to venture into dangerous and unsanitary environments. Her goal: to locate the hidden sanctuaries where the fetishes meant to bewitch victims abroad are made.

During our trip to track down scammers in Lagos, Nigeria, we uncovered something shocking. We learned that "Yahoo Plus" is real and that some Yahoo Boys perform rituals and acquire fetishes to help them manipulate their victims. We even had to sift through piles of trash and garbage to find the hideout where these fetishes were made.

The findings of his investigation confirm a worrying trend. Beyond simple phishing or classic social engineering techniques, Nigerian scammers are now relying on local fetishists, marabouts, and ritualists.

These individuals create custom-made fetishes and talismans designed to psychologically subjugate their targets—often based in the West—in order to eliminate any suspicion. Combining digital manipulation tactics with beliefs in spiritual influence, these fraudsters ensure they extract large sums of money from their victims. This investigation confirms what many in the region already suspected: the line between cybercrime and occult practices is now more blurred than ever.