The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has extradited two Nigerians to the United States to face prosecution over alleged online sexual exploitation and sextortion involving two teenage boys who later died by suicide.
The EFCC identified the suspects as Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle, saying its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 facilitated their extradition to the US on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
According to the commission, the suspects were identified during separate investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into alleged sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly boys between the ages of 13 and 17.
Suspects allegedly used CSAM to extort victims
The investigations reportedly uncovered alleged schemes in which child sexual abuse material (CSAM) was used to blackmail victims and demand money.
The EFCC said the alleged perpetrators sought payments through various channels, including money remitters, gift cards and cryptocurrency.
According to the commission, the FBI linked the alleged activities of the suspects to two separate cases involving American minors who died by suicide after allegedly being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.
13-year-old boy allegedly threatened over nude photographs
In one of the cases, a 13-year-old American boy reportedly received a direct message on Instagram from an individual who suggested an exchange of nude photographs.
The FBI’s investigation allegedly established that the individual later threatened to distribute the boy’s photographs to his Instagram contacts and demanded money from him.
The EFCC said communication between the alleged offender and the boy reportedly continued even after the teenager indicated that he intended to take his own life.
The FBI subsequently developed intelligence on individuals allegedly connected to the scheme and requested the assistance of the EFCC to identify, investigate and prosecute the suspects in accordance with applicable Nigerian laws.
EFCC arrests Adekunle
Following the investigation, Adekunle was arrested and brought before the EFCC.
The commission said the investigation formed part of broader efforts involving Nigerian and US law enforcement authorities to track individuals allegedly involved in online exploitation and sextortion schemes that cross international borders.
Olawale faces seven-count US charge
The FBI also requested the extradition of Olawale to the United States, where he is expected to face a seven-count charge.
The charges include alleged 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, and distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography.
The EFCC subsequently commenced extradition proceedings against Olawale before the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024.
Court of Appeal clears way for extradition
The Federal High Court had rejected the extradition application on June 10, 2024.
Following the ruling, 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, paving the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States.
The latest development brings the extradition proceedings to an end and allows the US authorities to proceed with the prosecution of the suspect under the charges filed against him.
EFCC, FBI deepen cooperation
The EFCC said the extradition of Olawale and Adekunle demonstrates the continued cooperation between Nigerian and US law enforcement agencies in combating transnational financial crimes.
The commission particularly highlighted joint efforts to tackle internet-enabled offences involving the exploitation of minors, online sexual extortion and related financial crimes.
The EFCC maintained that international collaboration remains critical in investigating cyber-enabled crimes whose perpetrators, victims and financial transactions may be located across different jurisdictions.
