Nigerian Judge Sentences Man for Sextorting B.C. Teen Who Died by Suicide

A Nigerian judge sentenced Olukeye Adedayo to 76 years in prison for sextorting a Surrey, B.C. teen, who died by suicide. The RCMP hailed the conviction as a strong message against sextortion and fraud. Adedayo faced 18 charges, including distribution of child pornography and extortion. This case highlights the need for better internet safety awareness for youth.

A Nigerian judge has sentenced a man to a significant prison term for sextorting a teenage boy from Surrey, B.C., who tragically took his own life. This case, which has garnered substantial attention, has led the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to emphasize that such acts of “sextortions and fraud” will not be tolerated in society. The convicted individual, Olukeye Adedayo, received a total of 76 years in prison, following crimes that the RCMP linked directly to the boy’s untimely death in February 2023.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria stated that Adedayo was found guilty of 18 offenses, which include serious charges like possession and distribution of child pornography, along with attempted extortion and money laundering. It’s reported that he created an Instagram group using the victim’s name, sharing the young boy’s intimate photographs. The 14-year-old mistakenly believed he was sharing these images privately with a teenage girl in a brief online chat.

The RCMP expressed that Adedayo’s conviction was the culmination of an extensive international investigation. A representative from the Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit highlighted the collaborative work among various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Australian Federal Police. This statement noted, “We believe this case delivers a strong message that sextortions and fraud will not be tolerated in our community.”

Although the Mounties did not disclose the boy’s name, they acknowledged that the media had rightly identified him as a 14-year-old who died by suicide just days after the incident in February 2023. Adedayo reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges against him; however, a judge convicted him across the board and handed down his sentence last Thursday. Interestingly, it was stated that the lengthy prison terms would run concurrently, meaning the most time he will ultimately spend behind bars could be seven years for each of four counts of fraud.

Information from the commission detailed that Adedayo established the risky Instagram group around February 13, 2023, the day before the boy’s hockey team publicly expressed condolences following his sudden death. In the aftermath, the boy’s family described him as an “innocent child” who was full of life and passionate about hockey, emphasizing the importance of internet safety in their statement. They urged parents to discuss these critical issues with their children, saying, “Talk to your kids about internet safety, and keep the door to communication open, so they can come to you for help.”

This disturbing case underlines the urgent need for heightened awareness and preventative measures regarding online exploitation, especially among youth. The efforts of law enforcement agencies showcase the seriousness with which they treat such crimes, signaling a strong commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals in society.

The haunting reality remains – what happened to this young boy can and unfortunately does happen to others. Angela Dawson, an RCMP officer, reiterated the necessity for families to engage in dialogue about safe internet practices, as these conversations could help prevent future tragedies.

In summary, the conviction of Olukeye Adedayo marks a crucial moment in the fight against online harassment and exploitation, particularly against minors. This significant sentencing underscores the collaborative law enforcement efforts both locally and internationally. Moreover, it serves as a chilling reminder about the potential dangers that lie on online platforms, reinforcing the need for open communication between parents and children about internet safety. As the community continues to mourn the loss of a young life, stakeholders must remain vigilant against such heinous activities.

Original Source: www.elorafergustoday.com