A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a Nigerian man, Olukeye Adeayo Olalekan, to 76 years in prison for offences related to child pornography, cyberstalking, fraud, and money laundering.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Olalekan on an 18-count charge, including distributing child pornography, obtaining money under false pretences, and concealing the proceeds of crime.
According to the EFCC, the case gained international attention after a 14-year-old Canadian boy, Robin Janjus, was found dead in British Columbia. Investigations by Canadian authorities traced online accounts linked to the victim’s suicide back to Olalekan.
The court heard that Olalekan posed as a woman from North Carolina on social media, using platforms like Instagram and Snapchat to lure minors. He reportedly threatened to release explicit images and demanded money and gift cards from his victims.
Forensic analysis from Canadian police linked his social media accounts to the crime, prompting an undercover operation that confirmed his identity and illegal activities.
The court, presided over by Justice Alexander Owoeye, found him guilty on all 18 counts. He was sentenced to a total of 76 years in prison, with several of the sentences to run concurrently.
This case highlights growing concerns around cybercrime and child exploitation, as well as Nigeria’s commitment to prosecuting such crimes under international cooperation frameworks.
