EFCC Extradites Two Nigerians To U.S. Over Alleged Sextortion Of Teenagers

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has facilitated the extradition of Mudashiru Afeez Olawaleand Adebola Festus Adekunle to the United States of America over allegations of sexually exploiting and extorting two teenage boys who later died by suicide.

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC handed the two men over for prosecution on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following separate investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into online sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly boys between 13 and 17 years old.

The investigations allegedly linked Olawale and Adekunle to schemes involving Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), which was allegedly used to blackmail victims and demand money through channels including money remitters, gift cards and cryptocurrency.

According to the FBI investigations, the cases involved two American minors who allegedly died by suicide after being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.

In one case, a 13-year-old boy reportedly received a direct message on Instagram from an individual who proposed exchanging nude photographs. The individual allegedly obtained the minor’s photographs and subsequently threatened to send them to his Instagram contacts unless he paid money.

Investigators further found that the communication allegedly continued even after the teenager indicated that he intended to take his own life. The FBI subsequently obtained intelligence identifying people allegedly connected with the scheme and sought the assistance of the EFCC to identify, investigate and prosecute the suspects under applicable Nigerian laws.

Following the EFCC investigation, Adekunle was arrested and brought before the Commission in connection with the allegations.

The FBI also requested the extradition of Olawale, who is facing a seven-count charge in the United States. The allegations include 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 EFCC subsequently commenced extradition proceedings against Olawale at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024, before Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, following the request from the FBI.

However, the Federal High Court refused the extradition application on June 10, 2024, prompting the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to appeal the decision.

The legal setback was later overturned when the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, delivered judgment on July 7, 2026, in Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/721/2024, setting aside the Federal High Court’s decision and clearing the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States.

The extradition of Olawale and Adekunle marks another development in the cooperation between the EFCC and FBI in tackling crimes that cross international borders.

The agencies’ collaboration also highlights efforts to combat internet-enabled criminal activities involving the sexual exploitation of children, online sextortion and financial extortion, particularly where such activities have consequences across jurisdictions.

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