FBI confirms extradition of two Nigerians to US for child exploitation crimes including alleged sextortion leading to minor's death
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the extradition of Adebola Adekunle and Mudasiru Olawale to the US, where they face charges of sexual exploitation of minors, coercion, enticement, extortion, distribution and production of child sexual abuse material, and related offences. Patel stated one alleged scheme resulted in a child's death, describing both as 'high-value targets' brought back to 'face justice for alleged sextortion crimes targeting minors.' The men were arrested in Nigeria in 2023 following FBI investigations into sextortion schemes targeting male teenagers aged 13-17. EFCC announced their extradition on Wednesday, facilitated by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation after collaborative investigations. According to EFCC, the schemes involved using Child Sexual Abuse Material to extort victims via money remitters, gift cards, and cryptocurrency, with activities linked to two separate cases involving American minors who died by suicide after online exploitation. Olawale's extradition specifically followed a seven-count charge including sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death. His initial extradition request was rejected by Federal High Court Lagos on June 10, 2024, but the Court of Appeal Lagos Division reversed this ruling on July 7, 2026 (Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/721/2024), paving the way for his transfer. Adekunle was arrested and brought before EFCC after FBI requested Nigerian authorities' assistance in identifying perpetrators under applicable Nigerian laws. EFCC emphasized the extradition demonstrates ongoing Nigeria-US cooperation in tackling transnational internet crimes, particularly online exploitation of minors and sextortion schemes.