A man, identified simply as John, has proposed a death penalty for individuals involved in internet fraud, popularly known as ‘yahoo boys‘. His suggestion has sparked heated discussions across social media platforms, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where he shared his views in a tweet.
In his tweet, John proposed that yahoo boys should be sentenced to death by firing squad. His exact words were: “Yahoo boys should be sentenced to death by firing squad.”
This statement has ignited various reactions from Nigerians, with many users sharing their thoughts on the matter. One user, Obinna Okafor, commented, “If that happens more than 50% of young boys in Nigeria will be dead and more than 60% of Nigerian women will be single till the rest of their lives.” His comment humorously highlighted the large number of youths engaged in internet fraud, suggesting the social consequences of such a drastic measure.
Another X user, @OluwajunseBola1, responded by adding, “Plus 60 years with hard labour for their families.” This comment raised concerns about the broader impact of such a penalty on the families of the accused.
In contrast, @683Ez argued against the death penalty, suggesting that yahoo boys should instead be reformed and given work that utilizes their skills. “If they can use their talent for wrong, they can use it for right. It’s all about framing and incentives. If they are still repeat offenders then...” he wrote, emphasizing the potential for rehabilitation over severe punishment.
The proposal has sparked a larger debate on social media, with some supporting the death penalty as a deterrent for internet fraud, while others argue for rehabilitation and reforms to address the root causes of cybercrime.
