Nelson S.T. Thayer Jr. Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania | Penn Carey Law School
A Nigerian man, Samuel Olasunkanmi Abiodun, has been sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in a money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud connected to the sexual extortion and death of a young man in Pennsylvania. The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney David Metcalf after Abiodun's guilty plea last December.
Abiodun, along with co-defendant Imoleayo Samuel Aina, known as “Alice Dave,” was arrested in Nigeria. They were taken into custody by the FBI on July 31, 2024, and extradited to the United States. Another co-defendant, Afeez Olatunji Adewale, remains in Nigeria awaiting extradition.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf emphasized the severe impact of Abiodun's role as a financial middleman in the scheme: “As the financial middleman, Abiodun played a key role in this sextortion scheme, which thoroughly traumatized the victim and then devastated his family.” He further noted that such scammers aim to exploit vulnerable individuals without regard for their well-being.
Wayne A. Jacobs from the FBI’s Philadelphia Division stated: “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 Department highlighted the critical role of federal agencies: “The capabilities of local police departments to expand an investigation beyond the borders of the U.S. is extremely limited.” He expressed gratitude for federal efforts that brought justice in this case.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Abington Township Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Brown. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs facilitated Aina and Abiodun's extradition with help from Nigerian authorities.
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