ABUJA: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has extradited two Nigerians to the United States to face prosecution over alleged sexual exploitation and sextortion involving two teenage boys.
The EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 facilitated the extradition of Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle to the United States on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
The commission said the two suspects were wanted in connection with separate investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into alleged online sextortion schemes targeting male minors.
According to the EFCC, the alleged schemes involved boys aged between 13 and 17, with suspects allegedly using child sexual abuse material to threaten and extort victims through money remitters, gift cards and cryptocurrency.
The FBI investigations reportedly linked the two cases to American minors who died by suicide after allegedly being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.
In one of the cases, the EFCC said a 13-year-old boy was contacted through Instagram by an alleged perpetrator who proposed an exchange of nude photographs.
The suspect allegedly obtained the minor’s photographs and subsequently threatened to distribute them to the boy’s Instagram contacts unless he provided money.
According to the commission, the online communication allegedly continued even after the victim indicated that he intended to take his own life.
The FBI subsequently developed intelligence on individuals allegedly connected to the scheme and requested assistance from the EFCC to identify, investigate and prosecute suspects in Nigeria in accordance with applicable laws.
Following the investigation, Adekunle was arrested and brought before the EFCC.
The FBI also requested the extradition of Olawale over a seven-count indictment relating to alleged sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death.
The charges also include alleged 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 at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.
The proceedings were filed in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024 before Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, following the extradition request from the FBI.
The Federal High Court initially refused the application on June 10, 2024.
However, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation appealed the decision, leading to further proceedings at the Court of Appeal.On July 7, 2026, the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, in Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/721/2024, set aside the Federal High Court judgment.
The decision subsequently paved the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States to face the charges against him.
The EFCC said the extradition of Olawale and Adekunle demonstrates the continuing cooperation between Nigerian authorities and the FBI in tackling transnational crimes.
The commission particularly highlighted the importance of international collaboration in investigating internet-enabled offences involving the sexual exploitation of minors and online sextortion.
The cases also underscore growing international concern over online schemes that exploit vulnerable young people through threats, manipulation and the misuse of sexually explicit material.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution in the United States, where the allegations against them will be determined through the judicial process.
