Two Nigerians have been extradited from Nigeria to the United States to face prosecution over their alleged involvement in online sexual exploitation and sextortion schemes targeting teenage boys.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle were extradited to the U.S. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI.
The two suspects were allegedly involved in separate sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly boys aged between 13 and 17.
According to a statement by the Head, Media & Publicity Dele Oyewale, the cases involved the use of child sexual abuse material, CSAM, to threaten and extort victims for money through channels including money remitters, gift cards and cryptocurrency.
The FBI linked the alleged activities of the suspects to two separate cases involving American teenagers who died by suicide after being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.
In one case, a 13-year-old boy reportedly received a direct message on Instagram from a person who proposed exchanging nude photographs.
The FBI said the individual later threatened to distribute the boy’s photographs to his Instagram contacts and demanded money from him.
Despite the teenager reportedly indicating that he intended to take his own life, communications allegedly continued.
The FBI subsequently developed intelligence on individuals suspected of involvement in the scheme and sought the assistance of the EFCC to identify and investigate the alleged perpetrators in Nigeria.
Following the investigation, Adekunle was arrested and brought before the Commission.
Olawale, meanwhile, faced a separate U.S. extradition request involving a seven-count charge, including alleged sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, threatening communications and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The EFCC subsequently commenced extradition proceedings against Olawale before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The application was initially 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 set aside the Federal High Court judgment, clearing the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States.
The EFCC said the extradition of the two suspects highlights the growing cooperation between Nigerian and U.S. law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational crimes, particularly internet-enabled offences involving the exploitation of children.
The case also highlights the growing danger of online sextortion, where perpetrators use intimate images or threats of exposure to manipulate and extort vulnerable victims.
The EFCC said its collaboration with the FBI remains focused on ensuring that perpetrators of such crimes are identified and brought to justice, regardless of where the offences are committed.