The 25-year-old was sentenced to two years and three months in prison after admitting computer hacking and blackmail, according to Merseyside Police.
A 25-year-old man, Bosun Osagie, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison in the United Kingdom after admitting to hacking a woman’s social media accounts and blackmailing her.
According to Merseyside Police, the case was reported in February 2023 after the victim’s Snapchat and X accounts were compromised.
Investigators said the woman’s images were subsequently used to create fake social media profiles that falsely presented her as a sex worker. The images were also reportedly offered for sale online.
The victim was later subjected to blackmail, with the offender attempting to obtain money from her.
Osagie, of Bexley, London, was arrested and charged following an investigation. He subsequently pleaded guilty to computer hacking and blackmail.
He was sentenced on Monday, October 12, 2026, and also received a 10-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim.
Detective Sergeant Darren Devonport said the offender’s actions had caused the woman considerable distress, adding that the case involved an invasion of privacy and an attempt to exploit her through blackmail.
The officer commended the victim for reporting the crime and reiterated the force’s commitment to tackling the possession and distribution of indecent images.
Digital abuse and the consequences of account hacking
The case highlights how unauthorised access to social media accounts can be used to inflict reputational damage, invade privacy and expose victims to further exploitation.
When personal images are used without consent to create fake profiles, victims can face emotional distress, harassment and the challenge of removing misleading material from online platforms.
Blackmail can compound that harm by using threats or the prospect of further exposure to pressure victims into making payments or complying with demands.
The case also demonstrates the role of reporting and law enforcement investigations in establishing evidence and pursuing criminal charges.
Users can reduce some risks by using unique passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, reviewing account recovery settings and reporting suspicious access. Anyone affected by hacking or blackmail should preserve relevant evidence and contact the appropriate authorities.
Osagie’s sentence and restraining order mark the legal outcome of the case, while the broader challenge of preventing online abuse remains significant for technology platforms, investigators and users.