Many young people in Port Harcourt are expressing frustration over the increasing cost of clothing, attributing the trend to cyber fraudsters who buy without bargaining, thereby driving up prices.

Speaking with Kristina Reports on Thursday, February 26, 2025, a resident of Port Harcourt, Iyanuoluwa Daniel, lamented that clothing prices both in boutiques and local thrift market have surged because cyber fraudsters do not negotiate costs.

“I feel say na yahoo boys dey make clothes cost. Them no dey price clothes oh, those boys go just pay any amount dem tell dem”.

Another respondent, a barber who identified himself as Nothing Spoil, echoed the same sentiment, stating that cyber fraud has significantly influenced market prices.

“Yahoo boys don make things bad for us so tey one polo now na N40,000. If you are a young man that is hustling and you are not doing yahoo or ritual, you are not serious”.

He highlighted how difficult it has become for honest earners to afford basic fashion items.

The barber further lamented that rising clothing prices are worsening an already tough economic situation, particularly for those earning low wages or stipends. As a result, he noted, many people are now turning to tailoring their own clothes instead of buying from boutiques.

“Most persons no wan ritual themselves while some dey do am to feel among”.

He noted that while some people resist engaging in fraud or rituals, others succumb to societal pressure.

Despite the challenges, he believes that unemployment remains the root cause and urged young people to seek legitimate means of livelihood rather than resorting to fraud.