EFCC extradites two Nigerians wanted in US teen sextortion cases
Nigerian Suspects Extradited to Face Charges in U.S. Sextortion Cases
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has extradited two Nigerian men wanted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for their alleged involvement in sextortion schemes tied to the suicides of two American teenagers.
Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle were transferred to U.S. authorities on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, as confirmed by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale in a statement released on Friday.
According to Oyewale, the extradition follows allegations that the two men exploited and extorted minors in separate incidents within the United States. The FBI’s investigations identified Olawale and Adekunle as part of sextortion networks specifically targeting teenage boys aged 13 to 17.
The alleged schemes involved using child sexual abuse materials to intimidate victims into providing money through various methods, including money transfer services, gift cards, and cryptocurrency. Oyewale highlighted tragic consequences, stating that investigations linked the suspects to two cases in which American minors died by suicide after enduring online sexual exploitation and coercion.
In one instance, a 13-year-old boy reportedly received a message via Instagram from someone soliciting nude photographs. The suspect allegedly threatened to distribute these images to the boy’s Instagram contacts unless he paid a specified amount. Investigators noted that communications continued even after the boy expressed suicidal intentions.
The FBI, upon gathering information about the suspects, sought the EFCC’s assistance in identifying and prosecuting them under Nigerian law. Subsequently, Adekunle was arrested and brought before the EFCC.
Olawale faced a separate seven-count charge in the U.S. that included accusations of sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, enticing a minor to engage in sexual activities, interstate threatening communications, and distributing child pornography.
The extradition process for Olawale began following an FBI request, prompting the EFCC to file a case before the Federal High Court in Lagos. Initial proceedings culminated in a rejection of the extradition request on June 10, 2024. However, an appeal by the Nigerian Attorney General resulted in the Court of Appeal overturning this decision on July 7, 2026, thereby permitting Olawale’s extradition to the U.S.
The EFCC described the extradition of both suspects as indicative of the increasing collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. law enforcement agencies in addressing transnational financial crimes and internet-related offenses, particularly those targeting minors.
