U.S. Jails Nigerian Man For Sextortion Plot Linked To Teen Suicide
A 25-year-old Nigerian man, Samuel Olasunkanmi Abiodun, has been sentenced to five years in prison by a United States court for his involvement in a sextortion scheme that led to the death of an American teenager.
The sentencing was delivered by U.S. District Judge Joel H. Slomsky in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and announced on Wednesday by U.S. Attorney David Metcalf.
Abiodun pleaded guilty in December 2024 to money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud, after prosecutors revealed he was part of a criminal group that blackmailed a local teen online.
The psychological trauma from the extortion ultimately contributed to the teen’s death.
He was arrested alongside 27-year-old Imoleayo Samuel Aina, also known as “Alice Dave”, in Nigeria in July 2024. Both were extradited to the U.S. with assistance from Nigerian and American authorities. A third suspect, Afeez Olatunji Adewale, 25, remains in Nigeria awaiting extradition.
The trio allegedly lured victims using fake identities to obtain explicit material, which they then used to extort money under threats of exposure.
Aina, who has pleaded guilty to multiple charges including cyberstalking and money laundering, is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11 and could face life imprisonment. Adewale has been charged with wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf said, “As the financial middleman, Abiodun played a key role in this sextortion scheme, which thoroughly traumatized the victim and then devastated his family. We’re sending a clear message that the Department of Justice’s reach is long.”
The FBI’s Wayne A. Jacobs added, “This sentencing delivers a powerful message: those who exploit others through sextortion will be held accountable, no matter where they try to hide.”
Chief Patrick Molloy of the Abington Township Police stressed the importance of federal collaboration, saying, “This could have been anyone’s child. While this arrest may provide some relief, the pain for the family will never go away.”
The investigation was led by the FBI and Abington Township Police, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Brown. The operation also received vital support from the Nigerian Attorney General’s office, the Ministry of Justice’s International Criminal Justice Cooperation Department, and the EFCC.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
