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 a joint international operation targeting financially motivated sextortion networks exploiting minors.
The commendation was conveyed in a letter signed by FBI Director Kash Patel, who acknowledged the EFCC’s critical role in Operation Artemis, an international initiative aimed at disrupting online sexual exploitation and extortion networks targeting children.
Patel praised the commission for its collaboration with the FBI in the arrest and extradition of suspects facing federal charges in the United States.
According to the letter addressed to Olukoyede, the EFCC played a vital role in the operation by deploying personnel to support investigations and facilitating the transfer of suspects from Nigeria to the United States for prosecution.
Specifically, the FBI director commended the commission for apprehending Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudashiru Afeez Olawale, who were indicted in the United States in 2023 over allegations involving 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 linked to the deaths of minors.
Patel said the successful handling 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 also expressed appreciation to Olukoyede and the commission for their commitment to justice, describing their cooperation as important to the success of cross-border investigations.
He further expressed optimism about strengthening the partnership between the two agencies in tackling transnational crimes.
“Please accept my sincere appreciation for your commitment to justice and steadfast cooperation. I look forward to the continued partnership with the EFCC,” Patel stated.
The extradition of Adekunle and Olawale followed FBI investigations into separate sextortion schemes targeting male minors in the United States.
The investigations reportedly linked the alleged activities to two teenage victims who died by suicide after being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.
The EFCC’s involvement in the operation underscores the importance of international collaboration in investigating cybercrime, protecting vulnerable victims and bringing alleged offenders to justice across national borders.
The commendation was contained in a press release issued on October 28, 2026, by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC
