Met Cracks Down on Online Hate Preacher
The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command launched a probe back in March 2019 after the public flagged up nasty social media posts targeting ethnic groups in Nigeria. The offensive messages were traced to accounts under the name “Adeyinka Grandson.”
Hate Posts Spark Terror Probe
Specialist officers at the Met’s Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU)—the world’s first—scrutinised the posts. They found them encouraging attacks against specific ethnic groups, breaching UK law. This kicked off a full-blown investigation.
All linked back to Adeyinka Shoyemi, 45, of Powis Terrace, W11.
Shoyemi Jailed for Inciting Racial Hatred
Shoyemi was convicted on 30 November 2021 of eight counts of inciting racial hatred at Southwark Crown Court. Last Thursday, 31 March, he was sentenced to four and a half years behind bars.
Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Our Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit – the first of its kind in the world – was instrumental in identifying Shoyemi and his activity.
“Over the last ten years, the CTIRU has led efforts to remove harmful content online and investigate potential terrorist-related activity.
“We urge the public to report any material linked to terrorism or violent extremism so our specialists can take action.”
Police Action From Arrest to Sentencing
- Shoyemi was first arrested in August 2019 at his home.
- Officers searched two other London addresses connected to him, seizing digital devices.
- Charged with six counts of inciting racial hatred in May 2020, he was released on bail with strict conditions to avoid abusive posts.
- In October 2020, he breached bail conditions by posting more hateful content and was re-arrested.
- Two extra charges were added, culminating in his conviction and jail sentence.
Anyone wishing to report terrorist or extremist content online can do so via the official gov.uk/ACT portal.
