The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has facilitated the extradition of two Nigerian nationals, Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle, to the United States to face prosecution over allegations of child sexual exploitation and sextortion.
The extradition was carried out by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
According to the Commission, the two suspects were identified during separate investigations conducted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into alleged sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17.
The investigations reportedly linked the alleged schemes to the deaths of two American minors who died by suicide after being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.
Authorities alleged that Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) was used to threaten victims and demand money through various channels, including money transfer services, gift cards and cryptocurrency.
In one of the cases, investigators said a 13-year-old boy allegedly received a direct message on Instagram from an individual who proposed an exchange of nude photographs.
The FBI investigation reportedly found that the victim was later threatened with the distribution of his photographs to his Instagram contacts unless he paid money.
Authorities further alleged that communication with the victim continued despite indications that he was considering taking his own life.
The FBI subsequently developed intelligence that identified individuals allegedly connected to the scheme and sought the assistance of the EFCC in locating, investigating and prosecuting those involved under Nigerian law.
Following an investigation by the EFCC, Adekunle was arrested and taken into custody before the extradition process was concluded.
In a separate case, the FBI sought the extradition of Olawale over a seven-count charge involving allegations including the sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, attempted enticement of a minor, threatening communications and the alleged distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The EFCC initiated extradition proceedings against Olawale at the Federal High Court in Lagos following a request from US authorities.
An initial application for his extradition was refused by the court on June 10, 2024. However, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation appealed the decision.
On July 7, 2026, the Court of Appeal in Lagos overturned the earlier ruling, clearing the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States.
The extradition of Olawale and Adekunle highlights the ongoing collaboration between Nigerian and US law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational cybercrime.
The case also underscores growing international efforts to combat online crimes involving the exploitation of minors, particularly sextortion schemes that use digital platforms and financial systems to target and extort vulnerable victims.
Both men will now face prosecution in the United States, where the allegations against them will be determined through the judicial process.
