EFCC Facilitates Extradition of Two Nigerians to US Over Alleged Sextortion of Minors
EFCC Facilitates Extradition of Two Nigerians to US Over Alleged Sextortion of Minors
EFCC Facilitates Extradition of Two Nigerians to US Over Alleged Sextortion of Minors
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has facilitated the extradition of two Nigerian men to the United States to face prosecution over alleged online sexual exploitation and sextortion of two American teenage boys who later died by suicide.
The suspects, Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle, were extradited by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following investigations conducted in collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to the EFCC, the suspects were separately identified during FBI investigations into sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17.
The alleged schemes involved the use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to threaten and extort victims for money through channels including money-transfer services, gift cards and cryptocurrency.
The FBI linked the alleged activities of the suspects to two separate cases involving American minors who died by suicide after reportedly being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.
In one case, a 13-year-old boy was reportedly contacted through Instagram and encouraged to exchange nude photographs. Investigators alleged that the perpetrator subsequently threatened to distribute the minor’s images to his Instagram contacts unless he paid money.
According to the EFCC, communications allegedly continued even after the victim indicated that he intended to take his own life.
The FBI subsequently developed intelligence identifying individuals allegedly connected to the scheme and requested the assistance of the EFCC in identifying, investigating and prosecuting the suspects under applicable Nigerian laws.
Following the investigation, Adekunle was arrested and brought before the EFCC.
In a separate case, the FBI sought the extradition of Olawale over a seven-count charge relating to the alleged sexual exploitation and attempted exploitation of a minor resulting in death, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, threatening communications and the distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The EFCC subsequently commenced extradition proceedings against Olawale before the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024, following the FBI’s request.
Although the Federal High Court initially refused the extradition application on June 10, 2024, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation appealed the decision.
On July 7, 2026, the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, in Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/721/2024, set aside the Federal High Court’s judgment, clearing the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States.
The extradition of Olawale and Adekunle underscores the growing cooperation between the EFCC and FBI in combating transnational crimes, particularly internet-enabled offences involving the exploitation of children and sextortion.
The case also highlights the serious consequences of online sexual exploitation and the increasing international efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for crimes committed across borders.
EFCC Facilitates Extradition of Two Nigerians to US Over Alleged Sextortion of Minors
