Phenomenon of female underwear theft for ritual and the response of vulnerable women group in Nigeria

The theft of female underwear for money ritual is a phenomenon that began in Nigeria in 2018. This paper examines the nature of this practice and, the response of the vulnerable women group and as well interrogates the implication for state-citizen relationships in Nigeria. Primary data were collected from interviews with vulnerable female adults, parents and guardians of victims and informed male respondents in cities in Southern Nigeria. Secondary data were also utilised. The paper discovered that female underwear theft is perpetrated by Internet fraudsters (dubbed Yahoo Yahoo Boys). The response of the vulnerable group, stemming from the official disregard of the threat by the Nigerian state, is seeking spiritual fortification. The paper concludes that the inability of the state to address the spiritual crisis is leading to the spiritualisation of security. This is accentuating the fragile legitimacy of the Nigerian state. Although pant theft for money-making rituals may fade, the practice of money-making rituals in Nigeria will continue to soar given the rising endemic poverty which makes it difficult for Nigerian youths to attain their desired goals. It is recommended that the Nigerian state should work to improve the economic conditions of the people and also reform its judicial trial to accommodate trying and punishing spiritual crimes.