The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has extradited two Nigerians to the United States to face prosecution over alleged online sexual exploitation and sextortion involving teenage boys.

In a statement on Friday, the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 said the suspects, Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle, were handed over to US authorities on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

According to the Commission, the duo were identified in separate investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, into sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly those aged between 13 and 17.

The EFCC stated that the schemes involved the use of Child Sexual Abuse Material, CSAM, to blackmail victims and extort money through money remitters, gift cards and cryptocurrency.

The FBI linked the alleged activities of the suspects to two separate cases involving American minors 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 suggested exchanging nude photographs. The suspect allegedly threatened to share the boy’s photographs with his Instagram contacts and demanded money. Communications reportedly continued even after the minor indicated that he intended to take his own life.

The FBI developed intelligence identifying those allegedly involved and sought the assistance of the EFCC to identify, investigate and prosecute the suspects under Nigerian law. Following the investigation, Adekunle was arrested and brought before the Commission.

For Olawale, the FBI sought extradition over a seven-count charge including sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, enticement of a minor, interstate threatening communications, and distribution of child pornography.

Extradition proceedings against Olawale were initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024.

EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that both men were extradited to the US to face prosecution.

The Commission says the extradition is part of ongoing collaboration between Nigerian authorities and international law enforcement to combat cybercrime and protect children online.

Source: EFCC, Vanguard, Tribune