Tinubu praises EFCC after FBI recognizes their work in sextortion case

President Bola Tinubu has praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for helping to extradite two Nigerians accused of sexually exploiting and extorting teenage boys in the United States.

This praise came after a letter from FBI Director Kash Patel to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, commending the commission's help in an investigation into criminal networks involved in sextortion.

The investigation, known as Operation Artemis, led to the extradition of Mudasiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle to the US in August.

In his letter, Mr Patel noted that the cooperation of the Nigerian agency was key to the success of the cases. "The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration," he wrote.

In a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Mr Tinubu praised the EFCC chairman and his team for their efforts. "This is the kind of institutional performance we are determined to build across our country. I commend the EFCC Chairman and his team for their professionalism and dedication," he said.

The president emphasized that his administration will support law enforcement agencies in going after offenders, no matter where their crimes occur. "Nigeria must never become a haven for criminals who exploit innocent people, whether at home or abroad. Our law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions have my full support to pursue offenders and bring them to justice in accordance with the law," he stated.

How the investigation unfolded

The EFCC reported that its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 helped with the extradition of both suspects on 26 August. This followed separate FBI investigations into sextortion schemes aimed at teenage boys.

According to the commission, these schemes targeted male minors, especially those aged between 13 and 17. The suspects allegedly used intimate photographs to threaten victims and demanded money through money transfer services, gift cards, and cryptocurrency.

The FBI linked the investigations to two separate cases involving American teenagers who died by suicide after facing online sexual exploitation and extortion.

In one case, a 13-year-old boy reportedly received a message on Instagram from someone who wanted to exchange nude photographs. This person later threatened to share the boy's photos with his Instagram contacts unless he paid money.

The commission noted that the threats continued even after the boy mentioned he wanted to take his own life. The FBI then identified those allegedly involved in the scheme and asked the EFCC for help in investigating them for possible prosecution under Nigerian law.

Extradition proceedings

The EFCC stated that the FBI wanted Mr Olawale extradited to face a seven-count indictment. These included charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity, threatening communications, and distributing child sexual abuse material.

The commission started extradition proceedings at the Federal High Court in Lagos under suit number FHC/L/CS/353/2024. Trial judge Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa rejected the application on 10 June 2024, but the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation appealed the decision.

But the EFCC said that on 7 July, the Court of Appeal in Lagos overturned the ruling, allowing for Mr Olawale's extradition. The US Department of Justice reported that Mr Olawale, 24, was indicted in August 2023 and extradited on 27 August. He appeared in a federal court in Greensboro, North Carolina, the following day.

The department credited Nigerian authorities, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the EFCC, for their help with the extradition. It said Operation Artemis included FBI agents, analysts, and forensic experts working with Nigerian and other international law enforcement agencies to tackle sextortion networks operating from Nigeria.

The department noted that these schemes had been linked to many deaths by suicide among American teenagers. Mr Olawale's charges are still allegations. The US Department of Justice said he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Nigeria’s financial crime record

Mr Tinubu's praise comes after Nigeria was taken off the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 and the European Union’s list of high-risk third countries in January.

The president said these changes reflect his administration’s work to strengthen the country’s financial system and build international confidence. "Our fight against corruption is not measured by publicity but by results. Stronger institutions, effective law enforcement, and international cooperation are essential to building a Nigeria where honest enterprise can thrive and criminals are held accountable," he noted.

He urged the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to keep up their efforts, assuring them of his administration’s continued support in tackling financial crimes and protecting Nigerians.