The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has extradited two Nigerians, Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle, to the United States to face prosecution over alleged online sexual exploitation and sextortion involving teenage boys.

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The suspects were handed over to US authorities on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC. Their extradition followed separate investigations by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into alleged sextortion schemes targeting male teenagers, particularly minors between the ages of 13 and 17.

According to the EFCC, the investigations linked the suspects to separate cases involving American teenagers who reportedly died by suicide after allegedly being subjected to online sexual exploitation, threats and blackmail. The suspects were accused of using sexually explicit materials involving minors to pressure victims into sending money through gift cards, money transfer services and cryptocurrency.

In one of the cases, the FBI alleged that a 13-year-old boy received an Instagram message from an individual proposing an exchange of nude photographs. The person allegedly later threatened to distribute the boy’s photographs to his Instagram contacts unless money was paid.

Investigators reportedly monitored the communications even after the teenager indicated that he was contemplating suicide. The FBI subsequently gathered information on individuals allegedly connected to the scheme and sought the EFCC’s assistance in identifying and investigating them.

Adekunle was subsequently arrested by the EFCC following the request from US authorities.

Olawale, meanwhile, was wanted by the FBI in connection with a seven-count criminal case. The allegations against him include sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, enticing or attempting to entice a minor into sexual activity, threatening communications across state lines, and distribution or attempted distribution of child pornography.

Court Battle Over Olawale’s Extradition

Olawale’s extradition followed a lengthy legal process. After the FBI request, the EFCC commenced extradition proceedings against him at the Federal High Court in Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024, before Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa.

The Federal High Court had on June 10, 2024, rejected the extradition application. The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation subsequently appealed the decision.

The matter eventually reached the Court of Appeal in Lagos, which on July 7, 2026, overturned the Federal High Court’s decision, paving the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States.

The EFCC said the development demonstrates the growing cooperation between Nigerian and American law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational crimes, particularly internet-related offences involving the sexual exploitation and sextortion of minors.

The suspects are expected to face the allegations before the appropriate authorities in the United States.