PHILADELPHIA, PA — United States Attorney David Metcalf announced on Monday, May 5, that Imoleayo Samuel Aina, also known as “Alice Dave,” a 27-year-old Nigerian national, entered a guilty plea before United States District Court Judge Joel H. Slomsky. Aina admitted to cyberstalking, interstate threats to injure reputation, extortion, money laundering conspiracy, and four counts of wire fraud, all tied to a cybercrime scheme that resulted in the tragic death of a young man in Pennsylvania.
Charges and Scheme Overview
According to court filings, Aina was part of a far-reaching criminal conspiracy alongside co-defendants Samuel Olasunkanmi Abiodun, 25, and Afeez Olatunji Adewale, 25, also from Nigeria. The trio targeted victims through cyberstalking and extortion, exploiting personal and private information to coerce their targets and obtain financial gains. Their activities ultimately led to devastating consequences, including the loss of life.
Aina and Abiodun were arrested in Nigeria on July 31, 2024, and were extradited to the United States to face charges. Federal prosecutors revealed that the operation required coordinated efforts between Nigerian and U.S. authorities, highlighting the international scope of the investigation. Adewale, the third co-defendant, remains in Nigeria, awaiting extradition.
Legal Developments and Sentencing
Aina is set to be sentenced on August 11 and faces a statutory maximum of life in prison based on the severity of his charges. U.S. Attorney Metcalf outlined the gravity of the crimes, stating, “This case highlights the devastating consequences of cybercrime and sexual extortion.”
Abiodun, who pleaded guilty in December to related charges of money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud, will learn his sentence on June 10. He faces a maximum sentence of 100 years in prison. Adewale has been charged with money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud but has not yet been extradited to U.S. jurisdiction.
International Collaboration
The case required intensive cooperation between law enforcement agencies in both countries. The success of the extradition effort is credited to the FBI, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and Nigerian agencies, including the Attorney General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Justice’s International Criminal Justice Cooperation Department, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Assistance from the FBI Legal Attaché in Abuja also played a critical role in bringing the defendants into custody.
“The support and assistance of Nigerian security authorities was essential to this effort, notably that of Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Justice’s International Criminal Justice Cooperation Department, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” U.S. Attorney Metcalf stated.
Impact and Broader Implications
The case underlines the growing global threat of cybercrime and the devastating consequences it can bring. By attacking victims through extortion and digital exploitation, the defendants not only inflicted financial harm but also caused irreversible personal tragedies.
Law enforcement officials continue to emphasize the importance of protecting individuals online and preventing cybercriminals from operating across international borders. This case serves as a powerful reminder that such crimes will not go unpunished and that international collaboration is key to tackling these sophisticated operations.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Abington Township Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Brown.
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