A 25-year-old Nigerian man, Bosun Osagie, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison in the United Kingdom for hacking a woman’s social media accounts, using her photographs without permission and blackmailing her. This case is a strong example of a Nigerian jailed for social media hacking.
According to Merseyside Police, Osagie, who resides in Bexley, London, received the sentence after pleading guilty to computer hacking and blackmail.
The court also imposed a 10-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim. In summary, this kind of Nigerian jailed for social media hacking is subject to long-term restrictions following sentencing.
The incident came to the attention of police in February 2023 after the woman reported that her Snapchat and X accounts had been compromised.
Nigerian uses stolen images to create fake profiles
Investigators discovered that Osagie had used the victim’s photographs to create fraudulent accounts advertising sexual services.
The images were also offered for sale online without the woman’s knowledge or permission.
Police said the fraudulent accounts were used to misrepresent the victim, causing her significant emotional distress. Cases like this, involving a Nigerian jailed for social media hacking, demonstrate the emotional toll imposed on victims.
The situation worsened when Osagie attempted to blackmail her for money.
Following an investigation, officers arrested and charged him in connection with the offences.
Osagie subsequently admitted wrongdoing before receiving his prison sentence on Monday, October 12.
Police condemn online blackmail
Reacting to the conviction, Detective Sergeant Darren Devonport of Merseyside Police condemned the defendant’s actions.
“Osagie’s actions have caused deep distress to the victim,” he said.
Devonport explained that the offences involved a serious invasion of privacy followed by an attempt to obtain money through intimidation.
He also praised the victim for reporting the incident to the authorities, allowing investigators to pursue the case.
Police maintained that the possession and distribution of intimate images without permission could cause lasting harm to victims.
The force expressed hope that Osagie would reflect on the consequences of his actions while serving his sentence.
The conviction highlights the risks associated with unauthorised access to social media accounts, identity misuse and online extortion. Therefore, the incident serves as a warning for others about the serious consequences awaiting a Nigerian jailed for social media hacking.
Osagie will also remain subject to the restraining order imposed by the court.
