Nigerian man is sentenced to six years in the US for a sextortion scheme that led to a Pennsylvania teen’s death, highlighting global cybercrime risks.
U.S. Federal court has sentenced 27-year-old Nigerian national Imoleayo Aina to six years in prison for his central role in a sextortion scheme that authorities say contributed to the death of a young man in Pennsylvania.
Judge Joel Slomsky of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania handed down the sentence in October, 2025, alongside five years of supervised release and a restitution payment of $3,250, according to a statement from the US Department of Justice.
Mr Aina, also known by the alias Alice Dave, pleaded guilty in May 2024 to multiple charges, including cyberstalking, interstate threats to injure reputation, receiving proceeds of extortion, money laundering, conspiracy, and wire fraud. Prosecutors said he orchestrated a targeted campaign that inflicted significant emotional trauma on the victim and his family.
The scheme also involved two other Nigerian nationals. Samuel Abiodun, 26, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud and was sentenced to five years in prison on June 10. Afeez Adewale, 25, faces similar charges but remains in Nigeria awaiting extradition.
Read Also: ICE Accused of Detaining ‘Out-of-Status’ Immigrants At USCIS
All three suspects were arrested in Nigeria and taken into FBI custody on July 31, 2024, before being extradited to the United States. Their indictment followed in August 2024.
US Attorney David Metcalf described Mr Aina as “the driving force behind this sextortion scheme,” emphasizing the devastating impact on the victim and his family. “The Department of Justice will not stand by when innocent victims in the US are harmed by criminal scammers overseas,” Metcalf said. “We can — and we will — find, prosecute, and hold accountable these insidious sextortionists who terrorize people for money.”
Wayne Jacobs, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, highlighted the broader message of the case. “This sentence delivers a clear warning: whether you operate in the United States or abroad, the FBI and our partners will relentlessly pursue you. Exploit our youth, and you will be brought to justice,” Jacobs said.
The investigation involved cooperation between the FBI and the Abington Township Police Department. US prosecutors also acknowledged the crucial support of Nigerian authorities, including the Attorney General, the Ministry of Justice’s international cooperation unit, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, in facilitating the arrests and extraditions.
Experts say the case underscores the growing threat of cross-border cybercrime, particularly sextortion schemes that target minors. It also highlights the importance of international collaboration in bringing perpetrators to justice.
Africa Daily News, New York
