A 27-year-old Nigerian man has been sentenced to six years in prison by a United States court for his involvement in a devastating sextortion scheme that led to the death of a 20-year-old American student.
The Tragic Case That Crossed Continents
Imoleayo Samuel Aina, who operated under the alias "Alice Dave," received a 72-month prison sentence from United States District Judge Joel H. Slomsky on October 28, 2025. The sentencing concluded a case that highlighted the dangerous consequences of online extortion schemes targeting young people.
The case involved Jack Sullivan, a 20-year-old sophomore at Kutztown University and resident of Glenside, Pennsylvania. The tragedy began in January 2023 when Sullivan received what appeared to be a flirtatious message on Instagram from someone calling themselves "Alice Dave."
How the Sextortion Scheme Unfolded
According to court documents, the conversation between Sullivan and Aina moved to Snapchat, where they exchanged intimate photos. Later that same night, the tone of the communication changed dramatically when Aina began making threats.
The Nigerian national demanded money from Sullivan, threatening to release the private photos if he didn't comply. Under duress, Sullivan sent approximately $2,800 to Aina, but the extortionist refused to delete the compromising material as promised.
Less than twenty-four hours after receiving the initial Instagram message, the young student walked onto train tracks near the Jenkintown SEPTA station. A passing train struck and killed him just three minutes later.
International Investigation and Extradition
The investigation revealed that Aina was not working alone. He was arrested in Nigeria along with co-defendant Samuel Olasunkanmi Abiodun on July 31, 2024, through cooperation between Nigerian authorities and the FBI.
Both men were extradited to the United States to face charges. A third Nigerian co-defendant, Afeez Olatunji Adewale, aged 25, was also charged in the indictment filed in August 2024 but remains in Nigeria awaiting extradition.
In May 2025, Aina pleaded guilty to multiple charges including:
- Cyberstalking
- Interstate threat to injure reputation
- Receiving proceeds of extortion
- Money laundering conspiracy
- Wire fraud
Abiodun had previously pleaded guilty in December 2024 to money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud charges. He received a five-year prison sentence on June 10, 2025.
Justice Department's Strong Message
United States Attorney David Metcalf emphasized the seriousness of the crime in a press release issued on November 15, 2025. The announcement was delayed due to the federal government shutdown that lasted from October 1 to November 12, 2025.
"Aina was the driving force behind this sextortion scheme, which left a young man, and then his family, traumatized," stated Metcalf. "The Department of Justice won't just stand by when innocent victims in the U.S. are harmed by criminal scammers overseas."
Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Field Office, added: "This case is a powerful reminder of the profound harm sextortion inflicts on young people and their families. This sentence delivers a clear message: whether you are in the United States or operating from abroad, the FBI and our partners will relentlessly pursue you."
The successful prosecution highlighted international cooperation between US and Nigerian authorities, including Nigeria's Attorney General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Justice's International Criminal Justice Cooperation Department, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
In addition to his prison term, Aina received five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $3,250 in restitution. The case was investigated by the FBI and Abington Township Police Department, with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Brown.
