Nigerian National Sentenced to Six Years in U.S. for Sextortion Scheme

A 27-year-old Nigerian, Imoleayo Samuel Aina, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison in the United States for his central role in a sextortion scheme that led to the death of a young man in Pennsylvania. The sentence includes 72 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a restitution payment of $3,250.

Aina had previously pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including cyberstalking, wire fraud, interstate threats to injure reputation, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and receiving proceeds from extortion. Authorities described him as the primary orchestrator of the scheme, which caused severe trauma to the victim and their family.

Aina was arrested in Nigeria in July 2024 and extradited to the U.S. alongside his co-defendant, Samuel Olasunkanmi Abiodun, who received a five-year sentence earlier this year for his financial role in the operation. Another co-defendant remains in Nigeria pending extradition.

U.S. prosecutors highlighted the case as an example of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. Investigations involved the FBI, local police in Pennsylvania, and Nigerian authorities, including the Attorney General and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Officials emphasized that the prosecution serves as a warning to anyone attempting to exploit victims across borders. They noted that perpetrators of sextortion and cyber fraud can expect to face justice regardless of their location.

Aina’s co-defendants played specific roles in facilitating the scheme, with one managing financial transactions and the other accused of additional money laundering and wire fraud offenses. Their involvement underscores the coordinated nature of the criminal operation.

The case reflects growing efforts to tackle cyber-enabled sexual exploitation and financial crimes targeting vulnerable individuals. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing offenders and protecting victims, reinforcing the global reach of law enforcement in addressing online predation.