EFCC Extradites Two Nigerians to US Over Alleged Sextortion of Teenage Boys

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 reportedly died by suicide.

The suspects, Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle, were extradited to the US on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2.

The commission said the two men were identified during separate investigations by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into alleged sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly boys between the ages of 13 and 17.

According to the EFCC, the investigations uncovered alleged use of child sexual abuse material to blackmail victims and demand money through channels including money remitters, gift cards and cryptocurrency.

The FBI reportedly linked the suspects’ alleged activities to two separate cases involving American minors who died by suicide after being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.

How alleged sextortion scheme operated

In one of the cases, the EFCC said a 13-year-old boy received a direct message on Instagram from an individual who suggested that they exchange nude photographs.

The FBI investigation allegedly established that the individual subsequently threatened to distribute the boy’s photographs to his Instagram contacts while demanding money from him.

The communications reportedly continued even after the boy indicated that he intended to take his own life.

The FBI subsequently developed intelligence on individuals allegedly connected to the scheme and sought the assistance of the EFCC to identify and investigate the suspects and, where appropriate, prosecute them under Nigerian law.

Following the investigation, Adekunle was arrested and brought before the EFCC.

Olawale faces seven-count US charge

The EFCC said the FBI also requested the extradition of Olawale over 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 the distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography.

The EFCC subsequently commenced extradition proceedings against Olawale before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The case, filed as Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024, was heard before Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa.

The Federal High Court initially rejected the extradition application 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, Lagos Division, in Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/721/2024, overturned the Federal High Court’s decision, clearing the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States.

The EFCC said the extradition of Olawale and Adekunle underscores the growing cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in combating transnational financial crimes and other internet-enabled offences.

The commission particularly highlighted joint efforts with the FBI to tackle online crimes involving the exploitation of minors and sextortion.