Nigerian Judge Convicts Man of Sextorting B.C. Teen Who Died by Suicide

A Nigerian man was sentenced to a total of 76 years for attempting to blackmail a Surrey, B.C. teenager whose suicide was linked to financial sextortion. Olukeye Adedayo was convicted on multiple charges, including possession of child pornography. Although sentenced to 76 years, he will serve a maximum of seven years for his crimes, as sentences run concurrently.

A Nigerian judge has convicted a man for attempting to blackmail a teenager from Surrey, B.C., whose tragic death in 2023 followed an incident of financial sextortion. This case highlights the dire consequences of online exploitation as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria reported that Olukeye Adedayo received a cumulative prison sentence totaling 76 years for his crimes.

According to reports from the EFCC, Adedayo was charged with 18 counts, including serious offenses such as possession and distribution of child pornography, as well as attempted extortion. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) indicated that the victim, a 14-year-old boy, believed he was engaging in an innocent conversation with a girl when intimate images were shared. It was this trust that Adedayo exploited, creating a false Instagram account bearing the teen’s name to distribute those images.

Despite pleading not guilty, Adedayo was convicted on all counts last Thursday. While the sentencing totals 76 years, it is important to note that the sentences will be served concurrently, meaning the longest period he will likely serve is seven years for the counts of obtaining property under false pretenses. The EFCC stated that testimony from prosecution witnesses included a sergeant from the RCMP’s Serious Crime Unit, further emphasizing the intergovernmental effort to address the crime at multiple levels.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with sextortion, particularly among vulnerable youth online. With advancements in technology, such crimes are escalating, and they necessitate robust efforts to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The sentencing of Olukeye Adedayo sends a clear message that justice will be pursued vigorously, even across borders.

Original Source: www.castanet.net