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 BC teen who died by suicide. Adedayo faced 18 charges, including child pornography and extortion. His sentences will run concurrently, reducing his potential prison time to seven years for certain counts. The case raises significant concerns about online safety for young individuals.

In a troubling case that highlights the dangers of online predation, a Nigerian judge has sentenced Olukeye Adedayo to a total of 76 years in prison after he was convicted of sextorting a teenager from Surrey, British Columbia. This case gained attention following the tragic suicide of the 14-year-old boy in 2023, which the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) linked to what they termed “financial sextortion.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria reported that Adedayo faced a staggering 18 different charges. These included serious offenses such as possession and distribution of child pornography, attempted extortion through threats, and money laundering. Adedayo had operated an Instagram account under the boy’s name, where he distributed explicit images that the teen believed he had privately shared with a girl online.

The boy, who believed he was engaged in a brief online interaction, faced devastating consequences. His untimely death has sparked a conversation about the grave risks of online interactions among teens. Despite pleading not guilty, Adedayo was found guilty on all counts.

Following the conviction, the Nigerian agency stated that the sentences would run concurrently. This means that, in effect, the maximum jail time he will serve is limited to seven years for each of four counts regarding obtaining property under false pretences. The trial also featured testimony from a sergeant with the RCMP Serious Crime Unit, underscoring the international cooperation involved in this case due to its severe implications.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers young people may face online, and the serious repercussions that can stem from such criminal behavior. As authorities continue to combat online crimes, the story of this young victim draws attention to the pressing need for vigilance and protective measures in the digital age.

The conviction of Olukeye Adedayo highlights the ongoing challenges posed by sextortion and online predation. While he received a hefty sentence, the concurrent nature of his penalties raises concerns about the adequacy of justice served, particularly given the tragic outcome for the young victim. This case emphasizes the critical need for protective measures for children online and reinforces the responsibility of society to safeguard its youth from such heinous acts.

Original Source: www.castanet.net