A Nigerian man, Samuel Abiodun, has been sentenced to five years in prison in the United States for his role in a sextortion scheme that led to the suicide of a teenage boy.
The 25-year-old was arrested in Nigeria alongside an accomplice, Afeez Aina, and extradited to the US in July 2024. On Tuesday, Judge Joel Slomsky of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania handed down the sentence.
According to US Attorney David Metcalf, Abiodun acted as a financial middleman in an online network that preyed on vulnerable youths. “As the financial middleman, Abiodun played a key role in this sextortion scheme, which thoroughly traumatised the victim and then devastated his family,” Metcalf stated.
He added that the perpetrators were driven purely by greed. “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.”
Abiodun had pleaded guilty in December 2024 to conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud. Prosecutors described his role as crucial in funnelling money extorted from victims to co-conspirators in Nigeria.
His accomplice, Afeez Aina, also pleaded guilty last month to charges including cyberstalking, interstate threats, and receiving proceeds of extortion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11 and could face life imprisonment.
A third suspect, Afeez Adewale, remains in Nigeria, awaiting extradition.
The US Department of Justice praised the cooperation of Nigerian authorities, including the Attorney General’s office, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for their role in tracking and arresting the suspects.
“This case shows the reach of US law enforcement,” said Metcalf. “If you target Americans online from abroad, we will find you — and you will be brought to justice.”
The identity of the teenage victim was withheld. He died by suicide after being targeted in the sextortion plot.
