By Lukman OMIKUNLE
Tinubu commends EFCC after FBI Director Kash Patel praises Nigeria’s role in arresting and extraditing two suspects in US child sextortion cases
Tinubu Hails EFCC as FBI Commends Nigeria Over US Sextortion Arrests
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) praised Nigeria’s role in arresting and extraditing two suspects allegedly involved in international sextortion crimes targeting minors.
The commendation followed a letter from FBI Director, Kash Patel, to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, recognising the anti-graft agency’s contribution to Operation Artemis, a joint investigation targeting criminal networks involved in the sexual exploitation and extortion of children.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The operation resulted in the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, in August 2026. Both are facing federal charges in the United States.
In his letter to Olukoyede, Patel acknowledged the EFCC’s contribution to the investigation, saying: “The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration.”
Reacting to the FBI’s recognition, Tinubu described the commendation as further evidence of Nigeria’s progress in tackling financial crimes and strengthening international law enforcement cooperation.
The President praised the EFCC chairman and his team for their professionalism, saying: “This is the kind of institutional performance we are determined to build across our country. I commend the EFCC Chairman and his team for their professionalism and dedication.
“Nigeria must never become a haven for criminals who exploit innocent people, whether at home or abroad. Our law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions have my full support to pursue offenders and bring them to justice in accordance with the law,” the President said.
The commendation comes amid a series of international developments involving Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and financial crime framework.
In October 2025, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) removed Nigeria from its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, commonly known as the grey list. The European Union subsequently removed the country from its list of high-risk third countries for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing purposes, with the decision taking effect on January 29, 2026.
Tinubu said the developments reflected his administration’s commitment to strengthening financial integrity, restoring international confidence and creating a more secure environment for legitimate businesses and investment.
“Our fight against corruption is not measured by publicity but by results. Stronger institutions, effective law enforcement and international cooperation are essential to building a Nigeria where honest enterprise can thrive, and criminals are held accountable,” the President stated.
He urged the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to sustain their efforts, assuring them of his administration’s continued support in protecting Nigerians, combating financial crimes and improving the country’s standing among international partners.
