FBI hails EFCC over extradition of sextortion suspects

File photo: Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has lauded the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, over the commission’s efforts in disrupting financially motivated sextortion networks targeting minors.

According to a statement via the X handle of the commission late Wednesday, the EFCC participated in an international collaboration to arrest and extradite suspects facing federal charges in the United States.

The operation was dubbed “Operation Artemis.”

The anti-graft commission stated that FBI Director Kash Patel conveyed the commendation in a letter addressed to Olukoyede. The date of the letter was, however, not disclosed.

According to the statement titled, “FBI Commends Olukoyede,  EFCC for Support in Tackling Sextortion,  Cybercrimes,” Patel noted the Commission’s efforts in arresting two Nigerians — Adebola Adekunle and Mudashiru Olawale — over allegations relating to the sexual exploitation and extortion of minors.

In August 2026, PUNCH Online reported that the duo was extradited to the United States to face prosecution over alleged sexual exploitation and sextortion of two teenage boys in the US, who later died by suicide.

The statement read, “The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI @FBI, has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede and the Commission for their efforts and vital role in Operation Artemis, a joint international effort to disrupt financially motivated sextortion networks targeting minors.

“The commendation was conveyed in a letter signed by the FBI Director, Kash Patel @FBIDirectorKash, who praised the Commission for its collaboration with the Bureau in the arrest and extradition of suspects facing federal charges in the United States.”

It stated that Patel acknowledged the Commission’s contribution to the operation, stating that “the Economic and Crimes Commission, EFCC, has played a vital role in Operation Artemis, a joint effort focused on disrupting financially motivated sextortion rings targeting juveniles.”

Stating further, the statement added that Patel said, under Olukoyede’s leadership, the EFCC “designated personnel to support the investigations and facilitate the movement of suspects out of Nigeria to face prosecution in the United States.

“Specifically, the FBI Director commended the EFCC for apprehending Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudashiru Afeez Olawale, who were indicted in the United States in 2023 over allegations relating to the sexual exploitation and extortion of minors.

“The two suspects were extradited to the United States in August 2026, with the EFCC facilitating the process following investigations and extradition proceedings. They are facing federal charges relating to sexual exploitation involving the deaths of minors.”

“The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration.

“Please accept my sincere appreciation for your commitment to justice and steadfast cooperation. I look forward to the continued partnership with the EFCC,” Patel was quoted as saying in the letter.