EFCC extradites two Nigerians to US over alleged sextortion linked to teen deaths

EFCC extradites two Nigerians to US over alleged sextortion linked to teen deaths

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 sextortion and child sexual exploitation linked to the deaths of two American teenagers.

The suspects, identified as Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle, were extradited on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, following separate investigations conducted in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The EFCC disclosed this in a statement on Friday, explaining that the two men were identified during separate FBI investigations into alleged sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17.

According to the commission, the alleged schemes involved obtaining or using Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) to threaten and extort victims for money. The alleged perpetrators reportedly demanded payments through money remittance services, gift cards and cryptocurrency.

The FBI linked the investigations involving the two Nigerian suspects to separate cases in which American teenagers died by suicide after allegedly being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.

One of the cases involved a 13-year-old boy who reportedly received a direct message on Instagram from an individual seeking an exchange of nude photographs.

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After the photographs were allegedly obtained, the individual reportedly threatened to send them to the teenager’s Instagram contacts unless money was paid.

The EFCC said communications between the individual and the minor continued even after the teenager indicated that he intended to take his own life.

Following intelligence provided by the FBI, the EFCC said it conducted investigations that led to the identification and arrest of Adekunle.

In a separate case involving Olawale, US authorities sought his extradition over a seven-count charge relating to the alleged sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, attempted sexual exploitation, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, interstate threatening communications, and the alleged distribution and attempted distribution of child sexual abuse material.

The EFCC subsequently commenced extradition proceedings against Olawale at the Federal High Court in Lagos, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024, before Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa.

The Federal High Court initially rejected the extradition application on June 10, 2024. The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation subsequently appealed the decision.

The case was eventually determined by the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, which on July 7, 2026, in Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/721/2024, set aside the Federal High Court’s decision and cleared the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States.

Following the appellate court’s decision, the EFCC completed the extradition process, leading to the transfer of Olawale and Adekunle to US authorities on August 26.

The commission said the development demonstrates the continued cooperation between the EFCC and FBI in investigating and prosecuting transnational financial and cyber-enabled crimes, particularly cases involving the exploitation of minors.

The case also highlights concerns over the growing use of social media and digital platforms in online sextortion, where offenders allegedly obtain intimate images or other sensitive material and then threaten victims with exposure in an attempt to obtain money or force further compliance.

The suspects are expected to face prosecution in the United States over the allegations. The extradition and charges do not constitute a conviction, and the allegations against both men remain subject to determination by the US courts.

EFCC extradites two Nigerians to US over alleged sextortion linked to teen deaths