Hate Posts Net Man a 4½-Year Prison Sentence
The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command has jailed Adeyinka Shoyemi, 45, for spreading racially charged hate online. Shoyemi, of Powis Terrace, W11, was slapped with a four-and-a-half-year sentence after being found guilty of eight counts of inciting racial hatred.
Investigation Sparked by Public Tips
The probe kicked off in March 2019 after members of the public flagged alarming social media posts under the name “Adeyinka Grandson.” These posts targeted ethnic groups in Nigeria with aggressive, hateful messages.
The Met’s Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU), the world’s first of its kind, swooped in to assess the content. Their experts deemed the posts a breach of UK law and launched a formal investigation.
Arrest and Charges
- Shoyemi was first arrested in August 2019, at his London home.
- Officers searched two additional London addresses connected to him, seizing multiple digital devices.
- He was charged in May 2020 with six counts of inciting racial hatred.
- Released on bail with strict conditions against posting hateful content, Shoyemi was caught breaking these rules in October 2020, leading to two more charges.
Met Commander Praises Public Help
“Our Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit – the first of its kind to be established anywhere in the world – was instrumental in identifying Shoyemi and his activity,” said Commander Richard Smith.
“Over the last ten years, the CTIRU has led efforts to remove harmful content online and investigate terrorist-related activity. We urge the public to keep reporting suspicious posts so we can take action.”
Shoyemi’s conviction sends a stark warning: hate speech and online abuse targeting ethnic groups will not be tolerated in the UK.
