The young man discusses his life both before and after engaging in online fraud.
Twenty-two-year-old Moses Omodamwen, a "Yahoo Boy" and drug addict in Benin City, Edo State, has spoken about his worst moments.
He discusses his experiences both before and after engaging in online fraud with GODFREY GEORGE.
What prompted you to commit online fraud?
Everything began in 2018. I had recently entered Edo State Polytechnic, a higher education school. After graduating from college in 2016, I moved on to study graphic design. I started taking photos in 2017. My business wasn't going well at the time. I have done graphics for clients who then refused to pay me. I was a young man at the time and needed money to do a lot of things. When I noticed my pals having fun, I asked them to lead the way. They advised me to "hustle," they said. I had no idea what the word meant. I was only told to "hustle" so I wouldn't have to beg for money, they said. For me, that was the beginning of the "game." Due to my health at the time, I was forced to believe what they said regarding internet fraud. Prior to that, I used to 'edit' for some of them so they could defraud their 'customer (victims). You are aware of how cunning the devil can be. He therefore gave me the thought that if I could edit for my guys while they are producing it, why not just do it for myself? They (friends) then instructed me to visit them for "catching."
How did your first day as a beginner in online fraud go?
Sincerably, it felt like a different life for me. My upbringing was markedly religious. The pastor I grew up with. I therefore had adequate training. It felt a lot like I was the complete antithesis of who I am. But I required the cash. I felt completely out of place. In order to learn the procedures involved in the "enterprise," I had to go through some sort of training. They instructed me to offer them an Instagram account that would be utilized for the fraud when I arrived that morning. I handed them my. It was altered to appear to be from a white woman. For me, the first day was essentially orientation. But as the days passed, they taught me how to pass for other people. They would alter the account, use another person's photo, and start the hoax. Therefore, a "customer" would think they are speaking to a famous person or an influential investor when you communicate with them. So they taught me the "investor scam," in which we guarantee that someone's money will quadruple within a day.
After some time, I started to feel strange about merging my interests in photography and graphic design with the "job." I wasn't completely invested in it at the moment. I found it difficult to balance all of these things.
Did the scams not bring in money for you?
Although it was difficult, I did make some money. In 2021, when I received my Ordinary National Diploma, I totally committed the scam. It was hard.
Why was it so difficult? Were you required to perform strange tasks?
It was challenging because I experienced restless nights and was also exposed to narcotics. Being a "Yahoo Boy" and not doing drugs is difficult. Back then, drugs served as my fuel, keeping me on the move. Because it went against who I am, it was difficult. Because I was earning money but not feeling content, I started to feel unhappy. Even when I worked long hours and into the night, nothing came of it. There was a lot of pressure when the supposedly positive outcome eventually appeared. There was a lot of rivalry among us. I wished I were a "larger lad." I wanted more than I had so far. I began acting funny and improperly as a result of it. Here, drugs were quite helpful. That's how things were up until Christ came to get me.
Did you attempt to get employment using your certificate, or did you completely give it up to engage in online fraud?
I had a freelance job. I had my laptop with me while I was working. However, it was quite disheartening because employment did not appear as frequently as I would have liked. In Benin, there is hardly any demand for graphics. When my clients brought me jobs and I informed them how much I would charge, they would want to split the work or give it to others who could complete it for less money. While attempting to strike a balance, I was forced to fully commit fraud. The first time, I received a sizable sum of money that I had to work on visuals for almost six months before receiving. I consequently renounced my credentials and degree due to fraud, but thank God I'm still working to put everything back together.
Fraudulent funds 'sometimes' appear (in bits). Sometimes it arrives every day. I recall that period of time. I almost made it big, but the "deal" fell through. I would have made $206,000 from it (N89.06m). Now that it's failed, I thank God for that. It would have been challenging for me to leave the fraud industry if it had succeeded. It would have been challenging.
But what was the biggest reward you ever received for fraud?
I received a $2,000 payment (N864,740). I also received $300 (N129,711) and $500. (N216,185). However, the reality is that whatever the devil offers to you, he will also take away. I keep saying that to folks. It didn't take me long to spend the entire sum of money.
Worked your parents know what you did for a living?
My dad passed away last year. So it was only my mother there. Every time I had a holiday from school, I would go to a friend's house and stay with them. She spoke to me about it once, so I assume she was aware of it, but I disregarded it. I was determined to succeed financially in whatever way possible. The strain was quite difficult. She wept that night and wouldn't go to sleep the day I started smoking. She was heartbroken, and it was a bad situation.
Did she take your payment at this time?
My mother runs a business. Therefore, I retained any money I made through deception for my maintenance and made a few plans for the future. Therefore, I didn't always send her money.
Have you ever come dangerously close to being apprehended by the law?
You should always assume that you will be caught if you commit a crime. We were frequently detained by the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department of the Edo State Police. It is typical. At the time, we prayed that we would always have money in case we got arrested. We constantly "settle" them. It is easy. There was a time when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission came to raid Benin, and before they would arrest us, we had to "go off the grid" (lie low) for a while.
When did you come to faith in Jesus? How did it take place?
I left my friends' locations in December 2021 and returned home to visit my mother. I wasn't sure why I was being drawn home, but I just had a strong want to see my mother. I received a call from a respected pastor who prayed for me. I hadn't been to church in more than six months. I did not wish to act hypocritically. They (the congregation) always wanted me to sing because I have a good voice whenever I went to church, but I didn't want to be a hypocrite. I left the church to investigate the deception. I was feasting with the devil while singing for the Lord, and I understood that this was bad. I was forced to pick a side as a result.
But in December, when I went back home for the holiday break, I started attending church again. At the conclusion of each service, the pastor would call and ask for my prayers. I was mentored well. I could see my interest growing in spiritual matters. As I had done before the whole online scam incident, I started to adore the things of God once more.
I attended a birthday celebration on May 11, 2021. After the party, we checked into an apartment, and I went to the hotel's balcony to smoke alone. I merely desired some solitude. I had the impulse to retreat to my personal place. That was the day I met Christ for the first time. It felt like someone was sitting by my side, narrating my history and how I was squandering my youth. I just caught myself sobbing. I was aware of something happening to me that evening. Just now, the need to smoke vanished. I had to run inside to get a weed stick to smoke, but the entire pack slipped out of my hands and spilled. Seeing the stuff on the floor infuriated me. When I called my pastor to tell him what had happened, he was quite appreciative. I realized then that my family had never given up on me. They continued to pray. Even though I was mired in deceit, my mother, grandma, and pastor never stopped praying for me. In everything I had done with my life, I felt so bad. I'm only 22; God has been a great assistance.
People will be perplexed as to how you become a pastor with an apostolic title in just five months or less. How did it take place?
I didn't suddenly start off as a preacher. I carried on my dad's legacy. I was aware that God had called me. So far, he has been assisting me.
Did you take any classes or training?
Obviously, I did. In reality, I received my Apostle ordination last month. The Refiners Fire Bible Church in Benin City, Edo State, is where I currently serve as pastor.
What response did your pals have when they found out about this?
On May 11, the day I left them, I wanted to change my phone number, but I kept hearing a voice telling me to retain it since I was the only way for my friends to come to know Christ. The day I posted that I was quitting, my pals called me. I recorded myself bringing some papers and other "equipment" outside to burn them. Four of my pals joined me in calling it quits that day when I posted it. "If you Moses can change, then I can," one of them said.
Are you really that bad?
I nearly developed a drug problem. The drug use was poor. Others contacted to express their concern over how awful my life would be if I lost my source of support. Verse 24–26 of Matthew 6 describe how God takes care of the avian creatures. God will look after me, I am confident.
Do you feel bad about the things you did and the lives you ruined for other people?
At first, I felt a lot of remorse. I had trouble falling asleep for about a month. What the hell was I doing with that kind of life, I kept asking myself. It was aggravating and was making me crazy. I considered the suffering I caused my mother and the numerous victims of my deceit. Though I felt terrible, God assured me that he had not condemned me, and as a result, I am now in good standing. I've been saved to help others. It is now my duty to win these con artists' souls back to Christ.
What guidance do you have for those who are still engaged in online fraud or are considering it?
There is no room for fraud. The devil steals ten more priceless things from you for every one he offers you. They must turn around and regain their wits, and God is always ready to pardon them.
Are you not concerned that the authorities may come after you as a result of this revelation?
I won't lie; I'm not afraid. I want to spread the gospel through this medium. I'm sorry for what I did and I've repented, but if the EFCC or police want to arrest me, then so be it. It is the cost I must bear to spread the gospel.