By Daniel Edu
Prominent Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev Fr Chinenye Oluoma, has strongly criticized online fraudsters who swindle unsuspecting individuals out of their hard-earned money.
The clergyman emphasized that those involved in fraudulent activities should reconsider their actions, particularly in light of the potential harm to their future offspring.
However, Oluoma suggested that if they were to engage in fraudulent practices, it would be more morally justifiable if they were to target corrupt politicians who have embezzled public funds.
Oluoma stated, “When you prioritize amassing wealth by exploiting fellow human beings, you are sacrificing people to obtain treasures that will ultimately hold no value in your life.
“I find it perplexing that those who steal and deceive others become indignant when ministers condemn such behavior. ‘Yahoo’ refers to a group of individuals who isolate themselves, exploit vulnerable individuals using digital means, and rob them of their hard-earned possessions.
“As a result, victims are left destitute after decades of toil. You strip them of everything they possess, leading them to experience depression, hypertension, and heart attacks, while you remain comfortable.
“The fact that some musicians even glorify this lifestyle implies that you view it as acceptable? If ‘Yahoo’ entails manipulating and defrauding people of their honest earnings, leaving them destitute and causing them to perish from heart-related ailments, how can your life end well?
“Some individuals even perceive it as a legitimate livelihood. How can theft ever be deemed legitimate work? If you identify with such conduct, your future prospects are grim.
“If you partake in such activities, I implore you not to start families, for if you marry and have children, your offspring will bear the brunt of the consequences.
“If you insist on being involved in cyber fraud, consider targeting corrupt politicians who have misappropriated funds. However, you rarely, if ever, choose to confront such figures; instead, your victims tend to be hardworking individuals. Perhaps on the day of reckoning, you and God will need to discuss this matter.”
