Twenty‑two‑year‑old Moses Omodamwen, a former “Yahoo Boy” and drug addict from Benin City, Edo State, recounts his experience before and after becoming involved in internet fraud in an interview with Godfrey George. He explains that his descent into fraud began in 2018, shortly after enrolling at Edo State Polytechnic. After leaving college in 2016, he pursued graphic design and later photography, but his business struggled; clients often refused to pay for his work. Desperate for money, he turned to friends who were “balling” and were told that he needed to “hustle.” Unaware of the term’s meaning, he was introduced to internet fraud, initially helping friends edit images for scams. The devil, he says, planted the idea that if he could edit for others, he could do it for himself.
His first day as a fraudster felt like living another life. Raised in a deeply religious household—his father was a pastor—Moses felt like the opposite of his upbringing. He was given an Instagram account, which his friends transformed to resemble a white woman’s profile, and received orientation on impersonating people and running “investor scams” that promised to double money within 24 hours. Balancing photography, graphic design, and fraud was difficult, and although he earned some money, it was not enough to sustain him.
After graduating with an Ordinary National Diploma in 2021, Moses fully entered the fraud business. The work brought sleepless nights and introduced him to drugs, which he describes as “fuel” that kept him moving. Despite earning money, he felt unfulfilled and depressed, facing intense competition and pressure to earn more. He eventually abandoned legitimate freelance work—where low demand and undercutting clients made it hard to survive—in favor of fraud, which sometimes yielded large sums, such as a near‑miss deal that could have earned $206,000 (N89.06 million). The highest payouts he actually received were $2,000 (N864,740), $500 (N216,185) and $300 (N129,711), but he quickly squandered the money.
Moses’s mother, who runs her own business, was aware of his activities after confronting him about his smoking habit, which caused her great distress. He used some of the fraud money for personal upkeep and future plans but did not regularly support his mother. Encounters with law enforcement were frequent; he and his associates were often arrested by the Edo State Police Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department and occasionally by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, after which they would “settle” the authorities with money.
In December 2021, Moses returned home for the holidays, feeling a pull toward his mother. A pastor he respected prayed for him, and he began attending church again after a six‑month hiatus. He describes a pivotal moment on May 11, 2021, when, after a birthday party, he sat alone on a hotel balcony, smoked, and experienced a spiritual encounter that led him to quit smoking and feel an overwhelming sense of guilt for his past. His family, grandmother, and pastor continued to pray for him, reinforcing his resolve to change.
Moses’s conversion culminated in his ordination as an Apostle last month; he now serves as pastor of the Refiners Fire Bible Church in Benin City, continuing his father’s pastoral legacy. When he announced his departure from fraud—posting a video of himself burning documents—four friends also quit, with one remarking, “If Moses can change, then I can.” He admits that drug use had nearly turned him into a junkie, but he now trusts God’s provision, citing Matthew 6:24‑26.
He acknowledges lingering guilt over the people he defrauded, especially his mother, and admits that the first month after his conversion was marked by sleeplessness and remorse. However, he feels forgiven and believes his purpose now is to rescue other fraudsters. His advice to those still involved in internet fraud is clear: “Fraud is not an option. Anything the devil gives you, he takes ten other valuable things from you.” He urges them to return to God, who is always willing to forgive.
When asked if he fears arrest following his public testimony, Moses says he is not scared. He is prepared to face any legal consequences, viewing them as the price of preaching the gospel. He regrets his past actions, has repented, and is committed to using his experience to lead others away from fraud.
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