Landmark Sentencing in Lagos: Olukeye Adedayo Receives 76-Year Prison Term for Cyber Crimes

In a significant ruling that underscores the fight against online sexual exploitation and cyber fraud, a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced Olukeye Adedayo, also known as “hrm87,” to an astonishing 76 years in prison. This sentence, handed down by Justice Alexander Owoeye on June 19, 2025, comes after Adedayo was found guilty on 18 counts related to child pornography transmission, impersonation, and sextortion.

The Charges and Trial

Adedayo was arraigned in 2024, facing serious allegations that included the sharing of child pornography and fraudulent impersonation, with financial implications totaling ₦721,500 (approximately $1,700). The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spearheaded the prosecution, emphasizing the need for stringent measures against such heinous crimes.

During the trial, which commenced on June 5, 2024, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including testimonies from two key witnesses: Wahid Hamidi, a Police Sergeant with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and Saidu Yakubu, an operative of the EFCC. The court also reviewed digital forensics that linked Adedayo to the crimes.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Adedayo pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial. However, the court ultimately found him guilty on all counts.

The Court’s Verdict

Justice Owoeye’s judgment was comprehensive. He sentenced Adedayo to two years for counts one to four, which involved procuring and distributing child pornography and cyberstalking. For counts five to fourteen, related to the retention and disguising of fraud proceeds, Adedayo received a four-year sentence. The most severe penalties were reserved for counts fifteen to eighteen, which involved obtaining property under false pretenses, resulting in a seven-year sentence. Notably, all sentences are to run concurrently, meaning Adedayo will serve a total of 76 years.

The Impact of Adedayo’s Crimes

One of the most tragic aspects of this case is the impact of Adedayo’s actions on his victims. Among them was a 14-year-old boy from Surrey, British Columbia, who tragically died by suicide after falling victim to Adedayo’s sextortion scheme. The boy had been led to believe he was communicating with a teenage girl on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. Under the duress of threats to release intimate images, he was coerced into purchasing gift cards for Adedayo. The Canadian police quickly identified the boy as a target of sextortion, highlighting the severe consequences of such online predation.

A Strong Message Against Cyber Crimes

The EFCC has hailed the judgment as a crucial deterrent against online sexual exploitation and cyber fraud. The agency’s statement emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators accountable to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from the dangers of the internet.

This case is not an isolated incident. It reflects a growing trend of severe penalties for cyber crimes in Nigeria, as authorities increasingly recognize the need to combat online threats. In a related case, another individual, Chukwudi Okonkwo Goodness, was sentenced to 74 years for a separate fraud case involving ₦360 million.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Olukeye Adedayo serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by cyber criminals and the urgent need for robust legal frameworks to combat these offenses. As technology continues to evolve, so too must the strategies employed by law enforcement and judicial systems to protect society from the insidious threats of online exploitation and fraud. The landmark ruling in Lagos not only brings justice to the victims but also sends a powerful message that such crimes will not be tolerated.