The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has warned internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo boys,” attending his church against giving proceeds from their illicit activities as offerings.
Ibiyeomie said the church had no need for money obtained through internet fraud, describing the practice as theft.
The pastor issued the warning during a church service, speaking out against internet fraud and the continued involvement of some churchgoers in the practice.
He expressed concern that some internet fraudsters actively participated in church activities while showing no remorse for defrauding others.
“Do you know that there are Yahoo boys inside church? They have no conscience; they are yahooing somebody, and they are very happy in church,” he said.
Ibiyeomie described internet fraud as stealing, regardless of how it was portrayed or justified.
“Yahoo is stealing. Is it your money? I don’t care how you paint it, Yahoo is stealing,” he said.
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The pastor specifically directed internet fraudsters in his congregation to take their offerings elsewhere, regardless of the amount involved.
“In this church, if you’re a Yahoo, you will go to another church and give your offering. I don’t care how much you have,” he said.
Ibiyeomie also recounted the case of a professor at Rivers State University who he said was defrauded of his savings and subsequently collapsed and died.
He urged people who associate with internet fraudsters to distance themselves from them, questioning the continued support for a practice he said had caused serious harm to its victims.
