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 Surrey, B.C. teen who died by suicide. The RCMP reported strong collaboration in the investigation leading to the conviction, which underscores the dangers of online exploitation. The boy’s family emphasized the need for open communication about internet safety.
A Nigerian judge has sentenced Olukeye Adedayo to 76 years in prison after he was convicted of sextorting a 14-year-old boy from Surrey, British Columbia, who tragically died by suicide earlier this year. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has applauded the verdict, asserting that acts of sextortion and fraud will not be tolerated. The case, which has garnered significant attention, highlights the pervasive dangers of online exploitation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria reported that Adedayo was found guilty of multiple charges, including possession and distribution of child pornography, attempted extortion, and money laundering. The RCMP revealed that Adedayo had set up an Instagram group using the boy’s name to share intimate images that the teenager believed he had sent to a teenage girl during a fleeting online interaction.
According to a statement from the Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit, the conviction resulted from a yearlong international investigation involving cooperation from the Surrey RCMP, the FBI, the Australian Federal Police, and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission of Nigeria. The RCMP emphasized the significance of this outcome, which they believe sends a strong warning against sextortion. The police extended their condolences to the family of the young victim, expressing hope that the conclusion of legal proceedings might offer some solace.
While the Mounties did not release the boy’s name, a previous news conference confirmed he was a 14-year-old from Surrey who had faced intense circumstances leading to his death. Despite Adedayo pleading not guilty, the court convicted him on all counts, but the sentences will run concurrently, meaning the maximum he could serve is seven years for his crimes related to fraud.
The prosecution’s case included testimony from an RCMP sergeant, as details emerged that Adedayo created the Instagram group featuring explicit images on or around February 13, 2023; the boy’s hockey team noted that he died a day later. The boy’s family described him as an innocent child devoted to life and the sport, stating, “As we grieve the loss of our son, we want other parents to know this could happen to anyone.”
They urged parents to discuss internet safety and maintain open communication with their children about the potential dangers lurking online. This heartbreaking case is a somber reminder of the need to raise awareness about internet safety and the risks associated with social media interactions.
The conviction of Olukeye Adedayo, who was sentenced to 76 years for sextorting a young boy, shines a light on the critical issue of online exploitation and its devastating consequences. It serves as a call to action for parents and guardians to engage in proactive discussions about internet safety. This case is a tragic illustration of the risks youth face in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with children regarding their online interactions.
Original Source: www.elorafergustoday.com
