'I'm Not Justifying Crime' — Actor Ugo Nwokolo Sparks Debate with Yahoo Economy Remarks

Nollywood actor Ugo Nwokolo has ignited widespread debate after claiming that internet fraud, popularly known as Yahoo, has played a role in sustaining economic activity in Nigeria amid the country's worsening cost-of-living crisis.

Speaking during a video discussion, Nwokolo argued that the sharp rise in rent and the increasing cost of basic necessities have made it difficult for many Nigerians, particularly civil servants, to survive on their monthly salaries.

According to the actor, workers earning between ₦50,000 and ₦90,000 monthly cannot realistically afford the multi-million-naira rents now being demanded in major cities such as Abuja and Lagos.

"Personally, I think Yahoo has helped keep the economy afloat. Do you expect a civil servant to afford house rent of ₦3 million or ₦5 million in Abuja?" he said.

Nwokolo also questioned how low-income earners are expected to cope with rising living expenses, arguing that only wealthy individuals—including those involved in internet fraud—appear capable of meeting such financial demands.

"If you go to Lagos now, the least you'll see for a two-bedroom apartment is about ₦7 million or ₦8 million. Who is supposed to afford it? The civil servants? Of course, it's the fraudsters," he added.

Despite his comments, the actor stressed that he was not encouraging or endorsing criminal activity. Instead, he maintained that the economic realities facing many Nigerians have contributed to the rise of internet fraud and its indirect impact on economic activity.

"I'm not justifying crime, but yes, Yahoo is helping the economy. How do you expect people to live in this kind of economy?" he stated.

His remarks have since generated mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that economic hardship has fueled criminal activities, while others criticized his comments as appearing to normalize or rationalize internet fraud.

Opinion: Economic Hardship Explains Crime, But It Does Not Excuse It

Ugo Nwokolo's comments touch on a painful reality: many Nigerians are struggling under rising living costs, high rents, and wages that often fail to keep pace with inflation. These economic pressures have undoubtedly created an environment where some people feel desperate enough to pursue illegal means of survival.

However, acknowledging the economic factors that contribute to crime is different from suggesting that criminal activities benefit the economy. While money obtained through fraud may circulate in local businesses, internet fraud also causes significant harm. It damages Nigeria's international reputation, erodes trust in legitimate online businesses, and leaves victims—often ordinary people or companies—bearing financial losses.

The real solution lies in addressing the underlying economic challenges through job creation, improved wages, affordable housing, and stronger opportunities for young people. Reducing the incentives that push people toward crime is a more sustainable path than relying on the short-term spending generated by illicit activities.

Nwokolo's remarks have sparked an important conversation about the relationship between economic hardship and crime. But while difficult economic conditions may help explain why some individuals turn to fraud, they should never be seen as a justification for illegal conduct.