The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for their support in tackling cybercrime and financially motivated sextortion targeting minors.
The commendation was conveyed in a letter signed by FBI Director Kash Patel, who praised the EFCC’s contribution to Operation Artemis, an international law enforcement initiative aimed at dismantling sextortion networks targeting children.
In the letter addressed to Olukoyede, Patel acknowledged the commission’s role in supporting investigations, arresting suspects and facilitating their extradition to the United States to face prosecution.
He specifically commended the EFCC for apprehending Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudashiru Afeez Olawale, who were indicted in the US 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 following investigations and extradition proceedings facilitated by the EFCC. They are facing federal charges relating to sexual exploitation connected to the deaths of minors.
Patel said the successful prosecution of the cases would not have been possible without the EFCC’s assistance and commitment to international law enforcement cooperation.
“The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration,” the FBI director said.
He also expressed appreciation to Olukoyede and the commission for their commitment to justice, expressing optimism about strengthening cooperation between both agencies.
The extraditions followed FBI investigations into separate sextortion schemes targeting male minors in the United States. The investigations linked the alleged crimes to two teenage victims who died by suicide after being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.
The FBI’s commendation underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating cyber-enabled crimes, protecting vulnerable children and bringing alleged perpetrators to justice.
