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

A Nigerian man, Olukeye Adedayo, was sentenced to 76 years after being convicted of sextortion against a B.C. teenager who died by suicide. The case, resulting from an international investigation, highlighted the dangers of online exploitation and the need for improved internet safety for youth. The boy’s family urges parents to maintain open communication with their children to prevent similar tragedies.

A Nigerian judge has convicted Olukeye Adedayo of blackmailing a teenager from Surrey, British Columbia, leading to the teen’s suicide in February 2023. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) commended the conviction, emphasizing that “sextortions and fraud” are unacceptable in any community. Adedayo received a cumulative 76-year prison sentence stemming from 18 charges, which included possession of child pornography and extortion.

According to the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Adedayo had attempted to extort the victim by creating an Instagram group that featured intimate images of the boy. This was particularly devastating since the minor believed he was sharing images with a teenage girl during a brief online interaction. The organization reported that this online blackmail resulted in the boy’s tragic death.

The RCMP noted in a press release how this conviction was made possible thanks to a cooperative investigation involving various agencies, including the FBI and Australia’s Federal Police. A statement from the Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit highlighted the collaborative nature of the case, stating, “The conviction and sentencing … is the result of an intense yearlong international investigation.”

In a somber acknowledgment of the boy’s passing, the RCMP offered their condolences to the family, hoping the court’s decision brings them some closure. While the boy’s identity has not been disclosed publicly due to the sensitive nature of the case, it was indicated that he was a noted victim in previous media coverage regarding youth online safety and the consequences of sextortion.

Adedayo initially pleaded not guilty to the multiple charges he faced; however, a judge found him guilty of all counts last Thursday. Interestingly, the sentences he received are to be served concurrently, indicating that his longest potential imprisonment is seven years, applicable to a few specific charges.

The February 2023 timeline is alarming as it was reported that Adedayo had begun sharing the graphic content on social media shortly before the boy’s tragic death. The young victim’s hockey team expressed their sorrow at his passing just a day after the allegations of extortion arose.

The family of the boy shared a heartfelt statement last winter, portraying him as an “innocent child” who was, unfortunately, manipulated by predatory actions. They warned other parents about the perils of online interactions, urging them to maintain open dialogues with their children about internet safety and communication. This tragic case underscores critical issues around youth vulnerability and the devastating impact of cyberbullying and extortion.

This report first appeared in The Canadian Press on June 23, 2025, by journalist Brieanna Charlebois.

The conviction of Olukeye Adedayo by a Nigerian court highlights the serious consequences of sextortion, particularly regarding vulnerable teenagers. With a combined 76-year sentence for various crimes including extortion and child pornography, this case serves as a reminder of the need for heightened awareness around internet safety. Families are urged to engage in open conversations to protect children from potential online exploitation—ensuring they feel safe to seek help when needed. The ongoing cooperation between international law enforcement is also crucial in tackling such global issues.

Original Source: www.elorafergustoday.com