The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has facilitated the extradition of two Nigerians, Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle, to the United States, where they are expected to face prosecution over alleged online sexual exploitation and sextortion of two teenage boys.
The EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 carried out the extradition on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following investigations by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to the EFCC, separate FBI investigations identified Olawale and Adekunle as suspects in sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly boys between the ages of 13 and 17. The investigations involved two American teenagers who died by suicide after allegedly being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.
The alleged schemes involved the use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to threaten victims and demand money through channels including money remitters, gift cards and cryptocurrency.
In one of the cases, the FBI said a 13-year-old boy received a direct message on Instagram from an individual who proposed an exchange of nude photographs.
The individual allegedly obtained photographs from the boy and later threatened to share them with his Instagram contacts unless he paid money.
According to the investigation, the communication continued even after the teenager indicated that he intended to take his own life.
The FBI subsequently developed intelligence that identified individuals allegedly connected to the scheme and requested assistance from the EFCC in identifying, investigating and prosecuting suspects under Nigerian law.
Following the investigation, Adekunle was arrested and brought before the EFCC.
Olawale was also sought by U.S. authorities in connection with a seven-count charge. The charges include 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 the distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography.
The EFCC subsequently commenced extradition proceedings against Olawale before the Federal High Court in Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024, following the FBI's request.
Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa initially refused the extradition application on June 10, 2024.
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, clearing the way for Olawale's extradition to the United States.
The EFCC said the extradition reflects ongoing cooperation between Nigerian and U.S. authorities in investigating transnational crimes, including internet-enabled offences involving the alleged sexual exploitation of minors and sextortion.
