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

A Nigerian judge has sentenced Olukeye Adedayo to 76 years for sextorting a B.C. teen, leading to the boy’s suicide. The RCMP hailed the conviction as a significant victory against online exploitation. The case was built through international cooperation among multiple law enforcement agencies, underscoring the gravity of internet safety and awareness for families.

A Nigerian judge has convicted Olukeye Adedayo for extorting a teenager from Surrey, B.C., by sharing his intimate images online. This case has drawn considerable attention from authorities, culminating in a lengthy prison sentence of 76 years for Adedayo, according to Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The RCMP stated that these actions resulted in the tragic death of the young victim in February 2023.

The charges against Adedayo were severe, encompassing child pornography possession, distribution, attempted extortion by threats, and money laundering. He allegedly created an Instagram group using the boy’s identity to spread the images. The 14-year-old believed he was sharing them with a teenage girl during a brief online interaction, unaware of the impending consequences.

The RCMP reported that this conviction was the product of a robust international investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI and the Australian Federal Police, along with cooperation from the Nigerian financial crimes watchdog. “This outcome came from collaborative efforts,” the Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit explained. They emphasized that such crimes would not be tolerated, expressing condolences to the victim’s family.

Although Adedayo pleaded not guilty, the judge convicted him on all counts. However, it’s worth noting that the sentences will run concurrently, likely limiting the actual time served to a maximum of seven years on four counts of fraud. The charges stated that he created the Instagram group around February 13, 2023, one day before the boy’s hockey team publicly addressed his tragic death.

The boy’s family previously described him as an “innocent child” who enjoyed life and loved hockey, stressing the importance of awareness in these matters. In a poignant message, they urged parents to communicate with their children about online safety to prevent similar situations. “Talk to your kids about internet safety, and keep the door to communication open,” they suggested, highlighting a need for vigilance in today’s digital age.

The conviction of Olukeye Adedayo serves as a critical reminder of the dangers posed by sextortion and online exploitation. The tragic death of the Surrey teenager underscores the urgent need for parental awareness and open communication regarding internet safety. This international collaboration highlights society’s commitment to tackling such heinous crimes and ensuring that victims are given justice.

Original Source: www.elorafergustoday.com