Nigerian Judge Convicts Man of Sextorting B.C. Teen Who Died by Suicide
A Nigerian man, Olukeye Adedayo, was sentenced to 76 years for sextorting a Surrey teen who died by suicide. The RCMP emphasized the collaborative international effort behind the conviction, aiming to signal that such crimes will not be tolerated. The victim’s family reinforces the need for open discussions about internet safety to prevent future tragedies.
A Nigerian judge recently convicted Olukeye Adedayo for his involvement in a sextortion case that led to the tragic suicide of a teenager from Surrey, B.C. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have labeled this case as a serious act of blackmail, asserting that such criminal behavior will not be tolerated in society. Adedayo received a staggering 76-year prison sentence comprised of multiple offenses including possession of child pornography and attempted extortion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria reported that Adedayo faced 18 serious charges. These charges stemmed from accusations that he harassed the 14-year-old victim by posting intimate photos online, which the boy believed he had shared privately with a girl during a fleeting online conversation. Tragically, this manipulation ultimately contributed to the boy’s suicide in February 2023.
With the help of international law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Australia’s Federal Police, a year-long investigation culminated in Adedayo’s conviction. In a statement, the RCMP expressed their commitment to tackling sextortion, stating, “This outcome came from collaborative efforts… We believe this case delivers a strong message that sextortions and fraud will not be tolerated in our community.”
While the Mounties did not name the victim, he has been previously identified in reports. Adedayo, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, was convicted on all counts after a thorough judicial process last Thursday. Even though he received various sentences for his actions, they will run concurrently, meaning he will likely serve a maximum of seven years for the more severe offenses.
The boy’s family shared a poignant statement at the time of his untimely death, emphasizing their grief and the innocence of their son, describing him as a vibrant child who loved hockey. They also stressed the importance of communication regarding internet safety, declaring that such tragedies could potentially befall any family. They urged parents to keep the lines of communication open with their children, encouraging conversations about online risks.
Following this case, police hope that the just outcome serves to warn offenders about the consequences of such crimes. The community remains in mourning as they process this heartbreaking situation, hoping to prevent similar future tragedies.
The conviction of Olukeye Adedayo serves as a stark reminder about the severe implications of sextortion and online exploitation. The joint efforts of international law enforcement highlight the importance of tackling these crimes head-on. Families are urged to discuss internet safety with their children, aiming to prevent tragedies like the one experienced by the victim’s family. As the legal proceedings conclude, the community hopes for healing and a greater awareness of online dangers.
Original Source: www.elorafergustoday.com
