U.S. Warns Internet Criminals: ‘You Cannot Hide Anywhere in the World’ as Two Nigerians Are Extradited
By Facthabournews
United States authorities have issued a strong warning to internet criminals operating across international borders following the extradition of two Nigerian men accused of involvement in online sextortion schemes targeting teenage boys.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) identified the suspects as Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle, who were extradited to the United States on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
The two men were identified during separate investigations by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into alleged sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly boys between the ages of 13 and 17.
FBI Investigations Lead to Nigerian Suspects
According to the EFCC, the investigations allegedly linked the suspects to separate cases involving American teenagers who later died by suicide after being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.
Investigators alleged that the schemes involved the use of child sexual abuse material to blackmail victims and demand money through channels including gift cards, money remitters and cryptocurrency.
The cases demonstrate how internet-enabled crimes can cross national boundaries, with suspects operating from one country while victims are located thousands of kilometres away.
Olawale Faces Seven-Count U.S. Charge
Olawale was extradited following a request from the FBI over a seven-count charge.
The allegations include sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, interstate threatening communications and distribution or attempted distribution of child pornography.
The EFCC said extradition proceedings against Olawale were initially filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024.
The Federal High Court rejected the extradition application on June 10, 2024, after which the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation appealed the decision.
On July 7, 2026, the Court of Appeal in Lagos overturned the Federal High Court’s decision, clearing the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States.
Adekunle Also Extradited
Adekunle was identified in a separate FBI investigation and was subsequently arrested by the EFCC.
The commission said his case was connected to an alleged sextortion scheme involving a teenage boy.
In one of the cases described by the EFCC, a 13-year-old boy was allegedly contacted through Instagram and persuaded to exchange nude photographs.
The individual allegedly threatened to distribute the photographs to the boy’s contacts unless money was paid.
According to the EFCC, the communication allegedly continued even after the teenager indicated that he intended to take his own life.
The FBI subsequently developed intelligence on individuals allegedly involved in the scheme and requested assistance from Nigerian authorities.
U.S. Authorities Send Strong Warning
The extraditions highlight the growing determination of U.S. law enforcement agencies to pursue internet-enabled criminals beyond American borders.
The message from the latest cooperation is clear: operating an online criminal scheme from outside the United States does not necessarily shield suspects from investigation, arrest or prosecution.
The EFCC said the extradition demonstrates the continued cooperation between the commission and the FBI in tackling transnational crimes, particularly internet-enabled offences involving the exploitation of minors and sextortion.
Nigeria-U.S. Cooperation Intensifies
The case also underscores the increasing cooperation between Nigerian and U.S. law enforcement agencies in tracking suspects whose alleged activities cross international jurisdictions.
Such cooperation can involve intelligence sharing, identification of suspects, investigations, arrests and extradition proceedings where legal requirements are met.
The Court of Appeal’s decision in Olawale’s case illustrates the role of Nigeria’s judicial process in determining whether an individual can be extradited to face charges in another country.
Suspects to Face Prosecution in the U.S.
Following their extradition, Olawale and Adekunle are expected to face the allegations against them before the appropriate U.S. authorities and courts.
The extradition itself does not amount to a conviction. The allegations remain subject to due process, and the suspects are entitled to defend themselves in accordance with U.S. law.
The development nevertheless represents another warning to individuals involved in cyber-enabled criminal activities that international borders may not provide protection from law enforcement.
As Nigerian and U.S. authorities continue to strengthen cooperation against online crimes, investigators are increasingly able to trace digital activities across jurisdictions and pursue suspects wherever evidence leads.
The EFCC said the latest extradition demonstrates the importance of international collaboration in combating transnational crimes and protecting vulnerable victims from online exploitation.
This report is based on information released by the EFCC and reports on the extradition proceedings. The allegations against Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle remain allegations until determined by a competent court.
