Ouagadougou:A 26-year-old scrap metal dealer named NB has been sentenced by the Ouaga I High Court for attempted blackmail involving threats to distribute intimate images of young women. The court handed down a 24-month prison sentence, with six months to be served, and a suspended fine of one million CFA francs.

According to Burkina Information Agency, NB was prosecuted after he threatened to publish intimate images of several young women on social media if they did not send him money. During the trial, NB admitted to contacting young girls through a WhatsApp group and engaging in video calls with them, during which he captured compromising images. He later deleted his own appearances in the recordings to use the remaining images for extortion.

In court, NB confessed to obtaining intimate images from only one girl, who was not present at the hearing. He claimed she sent him the videos asking for money, and when he refused, she exposed his number on TikTok, leading to his interaction with the Central Brigade for Combating Cybercrime (BCLCC). Despite his denial of sharing any images online, he acknowledged communicating with at least eight women.

One of the victims, MG, testified in court, stating that NB had offered her money in exchange for intimate images, which she refused. The public prosecutor requested the court to reclassify the charges to attempted blackmail, recommending a 24-month sentence with 12 months in prison and a fine. The court ultimately decided on a reduced sentence of six months in prison with a suspended fine.

In closing, the presiding judge advised NB to change his ways, suggesting he find a wife, as his actions were not befitting of a believer.