Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a chilling revelation of cyber-enabled exploitation, Sierra Leone’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is delving into a sophisticated blackmail operation allegedly orchestrated by Ayoub Sesay, who is accused of preying on women through digital deception, drugging them, and using compromising recordings for financial gain.
CID Director ACP Allieu Jalloh disclosed that Sesay, known for his tech savvy, reportedly used online platforms to befriend women, posing as a romantic interest to draw them into his trap.
“Our probes indicate this was his standard tactic,” Jalloh stated, emphasizing how Sesay leveraged his computer expertise to initiate relationships that quickly turned predatory.
A key focus of the inquiry centers on an incident involving Susan Koroma, a resident of Kenema in eastern Sierra Leone. Investigators claim Sesay convinced Koroma to journey to the capital, Freetown, for a meeting. There, he allegedly escorted her to a local establishment, Alpha Bar, where he administered a substance that rendered her unconscious.
Authorities suspect Sesay exploited the situation to capture explicit photos and videos, potentially after assaulting her. Upon regaining awareness and learning of the materials, Koroma escaped, but Sesay purportedly escalated by threatening to release the content unless her family paid substantial ransoms.
The breakthrough came when the CID’s specialized Cyber Unit traced Sesay’s digital footprint, leading to his apprehension.
Jalloh noted that Sesay was no stranger to law enforcement, appearing on two active watch lists with prior complaints and open files against him. He has since been detained pending further proceedings.
The episode, dating back to September 2025, has led police to believe Sesay’s activities span an extended period. A comprehensive report is pending, which could introduce additional charges, including those related to sexual assault in Koroma’s case.
Jalloh affirmed that the case has advanced to the judicial system, with potential for expanded accusations as evidence mounts.
This development underscores the rising threat of cybercrimes in Sierra Leone, prompting calls for heightened awareness and safeguards against such manipulative schemes that endanger vulnerable people.
