Some Nigerians are angry at this book by Carlos Barragan, as if they did not spend decades glorifying internet fraud in their songs, movies, cultures and communities. As if there aren't well known and respected celebrities who are known internet fraudsters. As if these fraudsters don't almost run night life in cities like Lagos. As if the language of internet fraud is not very common among young people in many places. As if Nigerians did not sing gleefully alongside Nkem Owoh when he sang: "419 no be thief, it's just a game, everybody day play am, if anybody fall mugu, my brother I go chop am.... Oyibo man I go chop your dollar, I go take your money disappear...you are the mugu, I am the master."
The Yahoo Boys aren't just scammers — they're status symbols. Carlos Barragan's new book explores how online fraud became a pathway to wealth, fame and influence in Nigeria.
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