Modupe Olalere
The phenomenon of money rituals, often involving gruesome acts of violence and human sacrifice, has become increasingly prevalent among Nigeria’s youth. This trend is deeply rooted in economic hardship, cultural influences, and societal pressures.
As of early 2025, the situation has escalated to alarming levels, prompting urgent calls for action from the government and civil society.Money rituals in Nigeria are often driven by desperation and the quest for quick wealth. Poverty and unemployment are significant contributors, as many young people see no viable alternatives to improve their economic status.
According to a recent National Bureau of Statistics report, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate remains high, with many graduates struggling to find jobs after years of formal education. The lack of economic opportunities has made some individuals resort to extreme measures, including money rituals, as a perceived shortcut to financial success.Greed also plays a crucial role. A study on ritual practices among Nigerian youth states, ‘Youth engagement in blood money rituals is the quest to make fast wealth, caused by greed and influenced by the luxurious lifestyles they see on social media.’ The study also indicates that many young people are willing to go to any length to acquire wealth quickly. The rise of “get-rich-quick” schemes has further normalised this mentality, making it easier for vulnerable individuals to be lured into dangerous practices.
Cultural influences have long contributed to the problem. The romanticization of money rituals in Nollywood films during the 1990s and early 2000s helped normalize these practices among younger generations. Movies like Living in Bondage and Isakaba portrayed rituals as effective means to achieve wealth and power, influencing the perceptions of many young Nigerians. While Nollywood has since attempted to address this by portraying the negative consequences of money rituals, the impact of earlier films still lingers.Social media and peer pressure have exacerbated the crisis. The influence of internet fraudsters, known as “Yahoo boys,” has glorified criminal wealth. Seeing their peers living in luxury without conventional jobs, young people often feel pressured to engage in illegal activities. Some “Yahoo boys” have even gone further by engaging in ritual practices, often called “Yahoo Plus,” believing they will enhance their fraudulent activities and bring them more financial success.The situation has worsened due to weak law enforcement and systemic corruption. Many ritualists and fraudsters operate with impunity, as bribery and ineffective policing have allowed criminals to escape justice. The fear of being caught is low, and in some cases, even when arrests are made, suspects manage to evade prosecution due to a lack of strong legal frameworks or political interference.
Recent instances in 2025 highlight the severity of the issue. In Ogun State, four teenagers were arrested for the murder of a 20-year-old woman, intending to use her body parts for a money ritual. Similar cases have been reported in Nasarawa and Kwara States, where suspects were arrested for ritual killings involving children and family members. The frequency of these crimes has instilled fear within communities, making people more distrustful of their surroundings.
In a particularly tragic incident, Miss Yetunde Lawal, a final-year student of Kwara State College of Education, was allegedly murdered by a man she met on Facebook. Yetunde, who recently secured a teaching job at a private nursery and primary school, had informed her friends that she would visit someone but never returned home. Her father, Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal, reported her missing, and subsequent investigations led to the arrest of a 29-year-old Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Mohammed Bello. Items recovered from Bello’s apartment, including a horn, black soap, and charms, suggest that Yetunde was killed for ritual purposes.
Additionally, there have been disturbing reports of ritual killings linked to influential figures. In February 2025, police uncovered a secret shrine in Anambra State, where several human skulls were found. The suspects included a well-known businessman and a local politician, further exposing how these practices have infiltrated different levels of society.The consequences of money rituals are devastating, resulting in loss of life, destruction of families, and a significant erosion of moral values. The most vulnerable members of society—women, children, and older people—are often the targets. The psychological impact on communities is profound, with many living in constant fear and mistrust. Parents are now more cautious about their children’s interactions, as cases of young girls being lured by individuals promising financial rewards have become increasingly common.To solve this problem, one needs to use a variety of strategies. Education is essential for teaching people to think carefully and disproving ignorant beliefs. Many young people engage in these practices because they lack proper knowledge about the consequences and legality of their actions. Introducing courses on ethics, morality, and financial literacy in schools can help reshape the mindset of the youth.
Economic empowerment is equally essential. The government must invest in job creation and entrepreneurship programs to provide young people with viable alternatives to illegal activities. Programs like the N-Power scheme and various state-run youth empowerment initiatives should be expanded and restructured to ensure that they reach those in need. The private sector must also be encouraged to participate in creating more employment opportunities.
Cultural reorientation is essential to addressing the problem at its core. Society must redefine success beyond material wealth and prioritize values such as hard work, integrity, and community development. Religious and traditional leaders must take an active role in sensitizing the public against harmful ritual practices.
Dr. Charles Apoki, a Nigerian social commentator, emphasises the need for national reorientation, stating that the process of money rituals is “designed to intimidate and deceive.” Another essential action religious organizations should take is to cease teachings that suggest spiritual sacrifices are necessary for wealth acquisition. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing these practices through education and cultural change.
Additionally, judicial changes and more vigorous law enforcement are required. Security agents must have the tools they need to properly investigate and punish crimes involving rituals. Community policing and information gathering should be strengthened to dismantle ritualist networks before they commit heinous acts. The role of the media cannot be overlooked. While Nollywood has taken steps to correct its earlier portrayal of money rituals, more must be done to use film, television, and digital platforms to educate the masses. Content creators should focus on exposing the dangers of ritual practices rather than glorifying them.
Lastly, the practice of money rituals in Nigeria is a complicated problem that needs a complete solution. Nigeria can begin to break this deadly obsession and create a safer, more moral society for its youth by figuring out what causes it and fixing the problems that come from it through education, economic freedom, and a culture change. Our nation needs rapid action to address this crisis. Government and civil society must collaborate to guide Nigeria’s youth towards prosperity and integrity rather than violence and deception. The fight against money rituals is about altering a generation’s ideals and allowing them to prosper legally.
