By Vivian Okejeme
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, and the commission for their support in tackling sextortion and cybercrime.
The FBI expressed satisfaction with the EFCC’s efforts and its vital role in Operation Artemis, a joint international initiative aimed at disrupting financially motivated sextortion networks targeting minors.
The commendation was conveyed in a letter signed by FBI Director Kash Patel, who praised the commission for collaborating with the bureau in the arrest and extradition of suspects facing federal charges in the United States.
In the letter addressed to Olukoyede, Patel acknowledged the commission’s contribution to the operation, stating that “the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has played a vital role in Operation Artemis, a joint effort focused on disrupting financially motivated sextortion rings targeting juveniles.”
He said that, under Olukoyede’s leadership, the EFCC designated personnel to support investigations and facilitate the transfer of suspects from 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 linked to the deaths of minors.
Patel noted that the successful outcome 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,” he said.
The FBI director further expressed appreciation to Olukoyede and the commission for their commitment to justice and continued cooperation, while expressing optimism about strengthening the partnership between both agencies.
“Please accept my sincere appreciation for your commitment to justice and steadfast cooperation. I look forward to the continued partnership with the EFCC,” he stated in the letter.
The extradition of Adekunle and Olawale followed FBI investigations into separate sextortion schemes targeting male minors in the United States. The investigations linked the alleged activities to two teenage victims who died by suicide after being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.
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