Emergence of cyber-spiritualism in Ughelli: the Ghana-Burgers cybercrime rampage in Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria, cybercrime has evolved into a complex socio-cultural phenomenon, especially among youths in urban and semi-urban communities. Prior studies focused on urban cybercrime, leaving gaps regarding combined cyber-fraud networks and ritualistic practices influencing Ghana-burger operations in Ughelli, Nigeria. The study examined the socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional drivers sustaining cybercrime among the Ghana-Burgers, an organised group of cybercriminals known for combining internet fraud with ritual practices. This study aims to answer the question: What factors sustain the Ghana-Burgers’ cyber-spiritualism in Ughelli . The study adopted a descriptive design grounded in cultural deviance and social learning theories. Thirty participants, including Ghana-Burgers, EFCC officials, police officers, vigilantes, youth leaders, and community members, were purposely selected and reached through the snowball technique. Economic hardship, peer pressure, increasing access to ritualistic practices, and ICT tools motivated youths into cybercrime. “HK” (Hustling Kingdom) houses function as training hubs where cybercrime apprenticeship, fraud tactics and networks are taught and established. Ritual sacrifices, fortification and charms obtained by parents reinforced cyber-spiritualism, while success in cybercrime became a new standard of respect and aspiration, influencing more youths within communities. This undermined formal education, attracting teenagers groomed for the trade. Although these activities disrupted moral and educational norms, they also reduced cultism and other violent crimes in the area. The study highlighted that cyber-spiritualism is not merely economic but has become a socially accepted, culturally reinforced path to status and mobility. It recommends community-based youth empowerment programmes, digital literacy, family reorientation campaigns, and the integration of local security networks into formal crime prevention strategies.