Nigerian Judge Convicts Man of Sextorting B.C. Teen Who Died by Suicide
A Nigerian judge sentenced Olukeye Adedayo to 76 years for sextorting a teenager from Surrey, B.C., whose suicide was linked to the crime. The case, involving international law enforcement collaboration, highlights the serious impact of online exploitation. Adedayo was found guilty on multiple charges, though his sentences will run concurrently.
In a significant legal development, a Nigerian judge has sentenced Olukeye Adedayo to 76 years in prison for the extortion of a teenager from Surrey, British Columbia, who tragically died by suicide earlier this year. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have praised this conviction as a clear signal that “sextortions and fraud” will not be tolerated in society.
Adedayo was found guilty of 18 counts, which included possession and distribution of child pornography, attempted extortion, and money laundering. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Nigeria confirmed the sentence last week. The extensive investigation by the RCMP revealed that the crimes directly contributed to the young boy’s sudden death in February 2023.
The situation unfolded when Adedayo created an Instagram group using the victim’s name to share intimate images intended for a brief online interaction with a teenage girl, which the 14-year-old believed was private. A statement from the Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit emphasized the international cooperation involved, stating, “This outcome came from collaborative efforts from the Surrey RCMP, the FBI, the Australian Federal Police, and the (Nigerian) Economic and Financial Crime Commission.”
During the trial, Adedayo pleaded not guilty, but the judge ultimately convicted him on all charges. However, it’s essential to note that the sentences will run concurrently, which implies that he could serve a maximum of seven years for the most serious charges. This piece of information underscores the complexities involved in sentencing for such heinous crimes.
The boy, who was unnamed in official statements, was memorialized by his hockey team, which shared condolence messages. His family described him as an “innocent child” with a passion for life and for hockey. They expressed their grief and delivered a powerful warning to other parents, urging open communication about online safety, reflecting, “As we grieve the loss of our son, we want other parents to know this could happen to anyone.”
This tragic case has not only highlighted the severe impacts of cybercrime and sextortion but has also seated a firm reminder in the community about the importance of discussing internet safety with children. As the fallout from this case continues, officials hope that it serves as a wake-up call for both parents and young people alike, reinforcing the need for vigilance in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
The sentiments of sympathy for the family from the RCMP further underscore the community’s collective sadness. They commented, “We extend our thoughts to the family and friends of the young victim in this file. We hope that the conclusion of the court process provides them closure.” This case and its heartbreaking outcome serve as a stern reminder of the consequences of online exploitation and the vital need for preventative measures.
The conviction of Olukeye Adedayo for sextortion emphasizes the urgent necessity of addressing online safety concerns, particularly among youth. His 76-year prison sentence, derived from extensive collaboration between international law enforcement agencies, signifies a crucial step towards combating cybercrimes that devastate lives. The community continues to mourn the boy’s loss, as his family advocates for more discussions on internet safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Original Source: www.elorafergustoday.com
