Two Nigerians Extradited to US Over Alleged Sextortion of Teen Boys
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has facilitated the extradition of two Nigerian men to the United States over allegations of sexually extorting teenage boys in separate cases that investigators say ended in the deaths of two minors.
The EFCC said Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle were extradited on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the commission.
The cases followed investigations by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into online sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly boys between the ages of 13 and 17.
According to the EFCC, the alleged schemes involved the use of child sexual abuse material to pressure victims into sending money through channels including money remitters, gift cards and cryptocurrency.
FBI investigations linked suspects to two cases
The FBI’s investigations identified the two Nigerians in separate cases involving American teenage boys who died by suicide after allegedly being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.
In one case, the EFCC said a 13-year-old boy received a direct message on Instagram from a person who proposed an exchange of nude photographs.
The alleged perpetrator subsequently threatened to share the boy’s photographs with his Instagram contacts while demanding money from him.
Investigators further found that communications allegedly 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 sought assistance from Nigerian authorities.
EFCC assists with investigations
The FBI requested the EFCC’s assistance in identifying, investigating and prosecuting suspects under applicable Nigerian laws.
Following the investigation, Adekunle was arrested and brought before the commission.
Olawale was separately sought by US authorities over a seven-count charge relating to the alleged sexual exploitation and attempted exploitation of a minor resulting in death, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, threatening communications and the distribution or attempted distribution of child pornography.
The extradition process involving Olawale became the subject of a lengthy legal proceeding in Nigeria.
Court ruling paved way for extradition
The EFCC initiated extradition proceedings against Olawale at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024.
The application was heard before Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, who rejected the application on June 10, 2024.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation subsequently 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 judgment.
The decision cleared the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States.
The growing threat of online sextortion
The case highlights the potentially devastating consequences of online sexual exploitation involving minors.
Sextortion typically involves threats to release intimate images or other sensitive material unless a victim complies with demands, which can include money or additional sexual content.
In the cases investigated by the FBI, the alleged victims were teenage boys who were approached through online platforms and subsequently subjected to threats and extortion.
The EFCC’s account underscores the particular vulnerability of minors in online environments, where perpetrators can approach young people anonymously and use private material as leverage.
Two Nigerians Extradited to US Over Alleged Sextortion of Teen Boys
Nigeria-US cooperation
The extradition also demonstrates continued cooperation between Nigerian and American law-enforcement authorities in cases involving alleged transnational internet-enabled crimes.
For the EFCC and FBI, collaboration is particularly important where alleged criminal activity crosses jurisdictions and involves digital platforms, cryptocurrency or other international payment channels.
The commission said the extradition of Olawale and Adekunle reinforces the ongoing partnership between the two agencies in tackling financial crimes and online criminal activity involving the exploitation of minors.
What happens next?
Olawale and Adekunle have now been transferred to the United States to face prosecution over the allegations.
Their extradition does not itself establish guilt; the allegations will be tested through the US judicial process.
The cases also serve as a reminder to parents, guardians and young internet users about the risks associated with sharing intimate material online, particularly with unknown contacts.
For law-enforcement agencies, the developments reinforce the need for continued international cooperation as digital crimes increasingly operate across borders.
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