EFCC extradites two Nigerians to US over sextortion of minors
August 28, 2026 6:53 pm
File: EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has extradited two Nigerian men to the United States to face prosecution over alleged sexual exploitation and sextortion of two teenage boys in the US, who later died by suicide.
The EFCC said its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 facilitated the extradition of Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
In a statement shared on its X account on Friday, the commission said the duo had been identified in separate investigations by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation into sextortion schemes targeting male minors.
“Olawale and Adekunle had been identified in separate investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, in sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly those between the ages of 13 and 17, leading to the deaths of two minors,” the EFCC said.
According to the commission, the alleged schemes involved child sexual abuse material and financial demands.
“The schemes involved the use of Child Sexual Abuse Material, CSAM, to extort victims for money through various means, including money remitters, gift cards and cryptocurrency,” it said.
The EFCC said the FBI investigations linked the alleged activities of the suspects to two separate cases involving American minors.
“The FBI investigations linked the activities of the alleged perpetrators to two separate cases involving American minors, who died by suicide after being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion,” the commission said.
‘Communications reportedly continued’
Giving details of one of the cases, the EFCC said a 13-year-old boy was contacted through Instagram.
“In one of the cases, a 13-year-old male victim received a direct message on Instagram from a subject who suggested an exchange of nude photographs,” the commission said.
“Investigations by the FBI revealed that the subject subsequently threatened to disseminate the minor’s photographs to his Instagram contacts and demanded money from him.”
The EFCC said investigators found that communication with the victim allegedly continued despite an indication that he intended to take his own life.
“It was further revealed that communications reportedly continued despite the minor indicating that he intended to take his own life,” the commission said.
The FBI subsequently developed what the EFCC described as “actionable intelligence” identifying individuals allegedly involved in the scheme and requested the assistance of the Nigerian commission.
“The FBI subsequently developed actionable intelligence identifying individuals allegedly involved in the scheme and requested the assistance of the EFCC in identifying, investigating and prosecuting the perpetrators under applicable Nigerian laws,” it said.
Following the investigation, the EFCC said Adekunle was arrested and brought before the commission.
Seven-count US charge
Olawale’s extradition followed a separate request from the FBI over a seven-count charge.
The EFCC said the charges included “sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, enticement and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, interstate threatening communications, sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, and distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography.”
The commission said it subsequently initiated extradition proceedings against Olawale at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.
The case was filed as Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024 before Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa.
“Although the Judge refused the application during proceedings on June 10, 2024, the ruling was subsequently appealed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation,” the EFCC said.
According to the commission, the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, later overturned the Federal High Court decision.
“On July 7, 2026, the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, in Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/721/2024, set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, thereby paving the way for Olawale’s extradition to the U.S.,” it said.
EFCC, FBI collaboration
The commission said the extradition reflected continued cooperation between Nigerian and US law enforcement authorities in tackling internet-enabled crimes.
“The extradition of Olawale and Adekunle underscores the continued collaboration between the EFCC and the FBI in tackling transnational financial crimes, particularly internet-enabled crimes involving the exploitation of minors and sextortion,” the EFCC said.
The two men have been extradited to the United States to face the allegations against them.
Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]