In a case that highlights the severe consequences of cyber extortion, two Nigerian men have been extradited to the United States on charges of sextortion, which allegedly led to the death of a young man from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. According to an announcement by United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero, Imoleayo Samuel Aina, and Samuel Olasunkanmi Abiodun face multiple charges, including cyberstalking and money laundering conspiracy.

United States officials detailed that 26-year-old Aina is specifically charged with cyberstalking, an interstate threat to injure reputation, and receiving proceeds of extortion. Both suspects, including 24-year-old Abiodun, are charged with wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. Aina, upon conviction, may face a lifetime in prison, and Abiodun could face up to 40 years. A significant intercontinental collaboration enabled the FBI and Nigerian authorities to arrest and extradite the suspects last Wednesday.

The pair were delivered to U.S. custody and made their initial court appearance in Philadelphia before U.S. Magistrate Elizabeth T. Hey last Friday. The indictment results from the collaborative investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Abington Township Police Department, and Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Brown is managing the prosecution.