Nigerian man arrested, charged in financial sextortion case of B.C. boy who died by suicide

It has been nearly a year since Surrey teen Robin Janjua died by suicide after becoming the victim of online sextortion.

Surrey RCMP announced Tuesday that a man in Nigeria has been arrested and charged in the case following a lengthy, international investigation.

Adedayo Olukeye, 26, is in custody awaiting trial in Nigeria on charges including possession and distribution of child pornography, attempted extortion by threats, money laundering, and retention of the proceeds of an unlawful act.

According to the Lagos Zonal Command of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olukeye faces 18 charges.

One of the counts claims that Adedayo, through his various online usernames, intentionally used Instagram to create a group called “Expose Janjuarobin Nudes” to distribute child pornography on or around Feb. 13, 2023.

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Olukeye has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, based in Lagos, Nigeria, said in a statement that “the international image of Nigeria is in jeopardy, as both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMP, and the FBI complained to Nigeria about this matter and how it relates to the sudden death of a 14-year-old minor.”

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Surrey RCMP Sgt. Tammy Lobb read a statement Tuesday on behalf of the victim’s family.

“It has been almost one year since we lost our son. He loved hockey and he loved life. Not a day goes by that we don’t miss him. He was an innocent child who was taken advantage of due to his innocence.

“As we grieve the loss of our son, we want other parents to know this could happen to anyone,” the family said.

“Talk to your kids about internet safety and keep the door to communication open so they can come to you for help. It brings us some comfort to know the person responsible is being held accountable. We hope this does not happen to another child.”

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Financial sextortion is a global crisis, RCMP said, heavily impacting youth in Canada and around the world.

“Our message to youth — you are not alone and there is life after images, Sgt. Dave Knight of Surrey’s Special Victims Unit said in a statement.

“It is important to know that you will not be in trouble with the police and you are not the one to blame in this situation.“

Sextortion is most prevalent in youth between the ages of 13 and 18.

Last November, the family of a 12-year-old boy in Prince George revealed he had died by suicide after he was sexually extorted online.

Carson Cleland took his life on Oct. 12 after being the victim of online sextortion, Prince George RCMP confirmed.

“Nothing was worth doing this,” Ryan Cleland, Carson’s father, told CKPG News.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency, please call 911. 

The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, Depression Hurts and Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 — all offer ways for getting help if you, or someone you know, is suffering from mental health issues.

For a directory of support services in your area, visit the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.

Learn more about how to help someone in crisis on the Government of Canada website.