Two Nigerians have been extradited to the United States to face prosecution over alleged online sexual exploitation and sextortion of two teenage boys who later died by suicide.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, facilitated their extradition on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following separate investigations by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The Commission said the two suspects were identified in separate FBI investigations into sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly boys aged between 13 and 17.
The investigations centred on the alleged use of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) to pressure victims into sending money through channels including money remitters, gift cards and cryptocurrency.
The EFCC disclosed that the cases involved two American minors who died by suicide after allegedly being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.
In one case, a 13-year-old boy reportedly received a direct message on Instagram from an individual who proposed an exchange of nude photographs.
The FBI investigation found that the individual later threatened to circulate the boy’s photographs among his Instagram contacts while demanding money from him.
The Commission said communications reportedly continued even after the minor indicated that he intended to take his own life.
The FBI subsequently developed intelligence identifying individuals allegedly connected to the scheme and sought the assistance of the EFCC to identify, investigate and prosecute those involved under Nigerian law.
Following the investigation, Adekunle was arrested and brought before the Commission.
Olawale was also wanted by the U.S. authorities over a seven-count charge, including “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, sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, and distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography.”
The EFCC initiated extradition proceedings against Olawale at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024, following the FBI request.
Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa had refused the extradition application on June 10, 2024, prompting the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to appeal the decision.
The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, later overturned the Federal High Court judgment on July 7, 2026, in Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/721/2024, clearing the way for Olawale’s extradition.
The EFCC said the development reflects continued cooperation between the Commission and the FBI in addressing cross-border financial crimes, including internet-enabled offences involving the exploitation of minors and sextortion.