Eniola Balogun, 20, a US citizen of Nigerian extraction who raped 5 teenagers, aged 13 to 16, while living in London after blackmailing them online has been jailed.
Eniola Balogun, 20, persuaded girls through social media websites Snapchat and Instagram to send him intimate photos. And then threaten them to distribute it online.
Some of the victims were even told to perform sex acts via video on more than one occasion.
He had been found guilty of a further three counts of rape following an earlier trial at the same court in March. These offences related to a 16-year-old girl. Balogun was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to a total of 21 years’ imprisonment.
The Judge also ordered that Balogun is subject to an extended licence period of eight years which will come into effect on his release from prison. Balogun will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, and will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
He persuaded young girls through Snapchat and Instagram or in the street, to send him indecent photographs. Armed with these photos, he threatened to distribute the images unless they met up with him. When they met up, he raped them.
Detective Sergeant Tony Killeen, of the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: “I wish to acknowledge the courage of these young people in coming forward and providing the vital evidence needed to prosecute Balogun.
“The teenage girls were victims of online sexual offences and did not recognise that they were being abused. “He used his social media profile to gain their trust, share intimate photos and then used those images to coerce his victims into sexual activity.”
DS Killeen added: “My advice to any child or young person is: do not share pictures online that you would find embarrassing if anyone else, such as your friends or parents were to see them as you have no control over the images once sent.
“But if you are worried about someone sharing intimate pictures of you online please don’t let embarrassment stop you from contacting the police.
“Alternatively, online abuse can be reported online to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. Advice on online grooming can be found on many websites such as the NSPCC.
“Balogun is a prolific sexual offender and it cannot be discounted that he has sexually abused other people.
“If you have been a victim of Balogun, please contact police via 101 – specially trained officers are there to support you.”
