Nigerian-Born Bosun Osagie Jailed in UK After Hacking Woman’s Accounts and Selling Her Images Online

A 25-year-old Nigerian man, Bosun Osagie, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison in the United Kingdom after hacking a woman’s social media accounts, using her photographs to create fake profiles and blackmailing her.

Osagie, who lives in Bexley, London, was sentenced on Monday, October 12, 2026, after pleading guilty to computer hacking and blackmail. The court also imposed a 10-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim. <Cite refs={[“turn853725search0”,“turn853725search1”]}/>

The case has drawn attention to the dangers of online privacy violations and the growing concerns surrounding the misuse of social media accounts to exploit, threaten and financially abuse unsuspecting individuals.

According to Merseyside Police, the investigation began in February 2023 after a woman from Wirral reported that her Snapchat and X accounts, formerly known as Twitter, had been hacked.

The woman discovered that her photographs were being used without her permission to create fake social media accounts. The accounts were reportedly used to advertise her as a sex worker, while her images were also being sold online.

The situation subsequently escalated into blackmail, with the victim facing threats intended to pressure her into giving money. What began as an invasion of her digital privacy developed into a serious case involving the misuse of her identity and attempts to exploit her through her own photographs. <Cite refs={[“turn853725search0”,“turn853725search10”]}/>

Following the complaint, police launched an investigation to establish who was responsible for the hacked accounts and the unauthorised use of the woman’s images.

Investigators eventually identified Osagie, who was arrested and charged in connection with the offences. He later pleaded guilty to computer hacking and blackmail before being sentenced by the court.

The case highlights how the compromise of a social media account can have consequences far beyond losing access to a profile. When criminals gain control of personal accounts or obtain private photographs, they may use the information to impersonate victims, damage their reputations, threaten them or attempt to extort money.

For the woman involved, the unauthorised use of her images and the subsequent blackmail represented a serious violation of her privacy. The circulation of personal photographs without consent can cause emotional distress, embarrassment and fear, particularly when victims worry about who may have seen or saved the material.

Detective Sergeant Darren Devonport of Merseyside Police said the offender’s actions had caused deep distress to the victim, describing the incident as an intrusion into her privacy followed by an attempt to blackmail her. He also encouraged victims to report such crimes to the police. <Cite refs={[“turn853725search0”]}/>

The 10-year restraining order is another significant part of the sentence, as it prohibits Osagie from contacting the victim during the period specified by the court. The prison term and restraining order reflect the legal consequences of the offences to which he pleaded guilty.

The case has also renewed attention on the importance of protecting personal information online. Social media platforms contain photographs, private conversations and other details that can be misused when accounts are compromised. Users are therefore encouraged to secure their accounts and take suspicious activity seriously.

Using strong, unique passwords for different accounts can reduce the risk associated with stolen or reused login details. Enabling two-factor authentication can provide an additional layer of protection, while reviewing account recovery settings can help users maintain control over their profiles.

People should also be cautious about suspicious links, unexpected login requests and messages asking them to disclose passwords or verification codes. If an account suddenly becomes inaccessible or begins sending unusual messages, the owner should use the platform’s official recovery process and consider reporting the incident.

The case further demonstrates the importance of taking blackmail seriously. Victims may feel ashamed, frightened or uncertain about seeking help, especially when threats involve personal photographs. However, reporting the incident can help investigators gather evidence and identify those responsible.

Anyone experiencing similar abuse should preserve relevant messages, account alerts and other evidence where it is safe to do so. They should avoid sharing additional personal information with the offender and seek assistance from appropriate law enforcement authorities.

The incident also serves as a reminder that photographs shared online should never be treated as permission for another person to distribute, sell or use them for fraudulent purposes. Digital privacy and consent remain important regardless of whether images were originally posted publicly or shared privately.

Osagie’s sentencing brings the case to an important legal milestone following an investigation that began more than three years earlier. It also underscores the potential consequences for individuals who use hacking and blackmail to exploit others.

As online platforms continue to play a major role in everyday communication, protecting personal accounts and responding promptly to digital abuse remain essential. For victims, access to support and effective law enforcement can be crucial in confronting the consequences of cybercrime and seeking justice.