PHILADELPHIA (BN24) — A United States court sentenced a 25-year-old Nigerian man to five years imprisonment Tuesday for his role in a sextortion conspiracy that resulted in a teenager’s death, marking a significant prosecution in international cybercrime enforcement.
Samuel Abiodun received the sentence from US District Judge Joel Slomsky in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania after pleading guilty to money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud charges related to the fatal sexual extortion case involving a young victim.
US Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced the sentencing Wednesday, revealing that Abiodun operated alongside accomplices in the deadly scheme that targeted vulnerable teenagers through online platforms.
Abiodun was arrested in Nigeria by the FBI and extradited to the United States in July 2024, along with co-conspirator Afeez Aina. Following their extradition, both men faced charges in August 2024 for their participation in the international sextortion operation.
The court proceedings revealed that Abiodun functioned as the financial middleman in the conspiracy, processing money obtained through the extortion scheme. His co-defendant Aina pleaded guilty in May 2025 to multiple charges including cyberstalking, interstate threat to injure reputation, receiving proceeds of extortion, money laundering conspiracy, and wire fraud.
Aina faces sentencing on August 11 and could receive a statutory maximum of lifetime imprisonment for his crimes. A third accomplice, Afeez Adewale, remains in Nigeria pending extradition and has been charged in absentia with money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud.
Metcalf characterized Abiodun’s role as crucial to the operation’s success, stating that “as the financial middleman, Abiodun played a key role in this sextortion scheme, which thoroughly traumatized the victim and then devastated his family.”
The prosecutor emphasized the devastating impact of such crimes on victims and their families, noting that the scammers showed “absolutely no regard for their feelings or the potential fallout” while pursuing financial gain from scared and vulnerable young people.
“These scammers’ sole aim is to get money from scared and vulnerable young people, with absolutely no regard for their feelings or the potential fallout,” Metcalf explained. “In prosecuting this case, we are bringing to justice the men whose actions resulted in truly indelible harm.”
The case represents part of broader US Department of Justice efforts to combat international cybercrime targeting American citizens. Metcalf issued a warning to other potential perpetrators, stating that “the Department of Justice’s reach is long, and if they keep extorting innocent Americans, they could find themselves in an American prison.”
The successful prosecution required extensive cooperation between US and Nigerian authorities. Metcalf acknowledged the essential support provided by Nigerian security agencies in facilitating the extradition process.
“The support and assistance of Nigerian security authorities was essential to this effort, notably that of Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Justice’s International Criminal Justice Cooperation Department, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” Metcalf stated.
The case highlights the growing international cooperation in prosecuting cybercriminals who operate across borders to target victims in different countries. Sextortion schemes typically involve criminals obtaining compromising images or videos of victims and then threatening to distribute the material unless payment is made.
The tragic outcome of this particular scheme, resulting in a teenager’s death, underscores the severe psychological impact such crimes can have on young victims. Law enforcement agencies continue emphasizing the importance of reporting such incidents and seeking help rather than complying with extortion demands.
The sentencing represents a significant milestone in US efforts to hold international cybercriminals accountable for crimes that cause severe harm to American victims, particularly vulnerable teenagers targeted through social media and online platforms.
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