The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for their assistance in an international investigation targeting online sextortion schemes involving minors.
The commendation followed the EFCC’s participation in Operation Artemis, a joint investigation aimed at disrupting financially motivated online sexual exploitation and extortion networks targeting children.
In a letter to Olukoyede, FBI Director Kash Patel praised the commission for supporting the investigation and facilitating the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudashiru Afeez Olawale, to the United States to face federal charges.
According to the EFCC, the suspects were indicted in the US in 2023 and extradited in August 2026 after investigations and extradition proceedings involving the commission. Patel said the EFCC designated personnel to assist investigators and support the suspects’ transfer to the US for prosecution.
The FBI linked the separate sextortion schemes under investigation to two teenage victims in the United States who died by suicide after experiencing alleged online sexual exploitation and extortion.
Patel acknowledged the importance of international law enforcement cooperation, saying the successful outcome of the cases would not have been possible without the EFCC’s assistance and commitment.
He also expressed appreciation to Olukoyede and the commission for their contribution to the operation and said he looked forward to strengthening cooperation between both agencies.
The EFCC said the commendation was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
The suspects are facing allegations relating to the sexual exploitation and extortion of minors. The charges remain subject to proceedings before the US courts.
Deborah Adeyefa
