Nigerian man jailed in UK for hacking woman’s social media, selling her images online

A Nigerian man, Bosun Osagie has been jailed in the United Kingdom, UK for hacking a woman’s Snapchat and X accounts, using her images to create fake profiles that advertised her as a sex worker, selling the images online and subsequently blackmailing her.

Osagie, 25, of Hartslock Drive, Bexley, London, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to computer hacking and blackmail.

He was also handed a 10-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim.

According to Merseyside Police, the case came to light in February 2023 after the woman reported that her Snapchat and X accounts had been hacked and her images were being used without her permission.

Investigations revealed that fake social media accounts had been created using her pictures. The accounts were allegedly used to solicit customers for sexual services, while the woman’s images were also being sold online.

The victim was subsequently blackmailed, turning the invasion of her online privacy into an attempt to extort money from her.

Following extensive investigations, Osagie was arrested and charged. He later admitted the offences at an earlier court hearing before being sentenced on Monday, October 12.

Reacting to the case, Detective Sergeant Darren Devonport said Osagie’s actions had caused the victim considerable distress.

“Osagie’s actions have caused deep distress to the victim. Not only did he intrude into privacy, he then tried to blackmail her into giving him money. The victim did the right thing and reported it to us.

“Merseyside Police is completely committed to stopping the possession and distribution of indecent images.

“We hope that Osagie will now reflect on the consequences of his crimes and the significant impact on the victim while in jail.”