Nigerian risks life jail in US over teenager’s death

A 24-year-old indigene of Osun State, Abolore Lawal, is at risk of life imprisonment following his extradition to the United States over allegations of sextorting and blackmailing a teenager into committing suicide.

PUNCH Metro learnt from a statement obtained on the US Attorney’s office website on Tuesday that Lawal was extradited to the US on Friday with the assistance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The suspect was said to have allegedly posed as a young woman on social media to coerce the 17-year-old victim into sending compromising photographs of himself.

The statement noted that after Lawal obtained the photographs, he allegedly used them to blackmail the victim by threatening to leak the photos unless the teenager sent him money.

He was also accused of reaching out to the victim’s family, harassing and coercing them into sending him money.

The Columbia Justice Department noted that the matter came to light after the victim committed suicide as a result of coercion from Lawal.

The statement said, “This investigation was launched after Gavin Guffey, a 17-year-old from Rock Hill, died by suicide in July 2022 after being victimised by Lawal’s scheme.

“Lawal allegedly posed as a young woman on social media and coerced the teen into sending compromising photos.

“He then extorted and sent harassing messages to the teen, threatening to leak the photos and ruin his reputation unless the teen sent him money. Lawal later did the same to members of his family.”

The statement added that Lawal now faces a five-count indictment before a US federal jury which includes “child exploitation resulting in death, the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, coercion and enticement of a minor, cyberstalking resulting in death, interstate threats with intent to extort, and aiding/abetting.”

Though the suspect is considered innocent until proved guilty, the statement noted that Lawal risked a life sentence if found guilty of the offences.

“Lawal faces up to life in prison, and mandatory minimum prison sentences on multiple counts. Child exploitation resulting in a death count carries a mandatory 30-year sentence.

“He also faces mandatory restitution, where the court may order Lawal to pay for losses incurred by the family as a result of his scheme.”

The statement acknowledged the role of the Federal Government through the Attorney General’s Office and the EFCC.

“Nigerian law enforcement provided critical assistance in the identification, investigation, arrest, and extradition of Lawal.

“The U.S. Attorney Boroughs and SAC Jensen extend their appreciation and thanks to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigerian Attorney General’s Office – Ministry of Justice, and all other involved Nigerian authorities for their important partnership in this case,” the statement concluded.