Tinubu commends EFCC over role in US-led child sextortion investigation
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 the arrest and extradition of two suspects accused of sexually exploiting and extorting minors.
The FBI Director, Kash Patel, in a letter to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, acknowledged the commission’s contribution to Operation Artemis, a joint investigation targeting criminal networks involved in the sexual exploitation and extortion of children.
The operation led to the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, in August 2026.
The suspects are facing federal charges in the United States.
“The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration,” Patel wrote.
Reacting to the commendation, Tinubu described it as recognition of Nigeria’s progress in combating financial crimes and strengthening international law enforcement cooperation.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended Olukoyede and his team for their professionalism and dedication.
“This is the kind of institutional performance we are determined to build across our country,” Tinubu said.
He added that Nigeria must not become a haven for criminals who exploit innocent people, whether within or outside the country.
“Our law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions have my full support to pursue offenders and bring them to justice in accordance with the law,” he said.
The President linked the FBI’s commendation to what he described as growing international recognition of Nigeria’s anti-corruption and financial crime reforms.
He cited the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 and the European Union’s high-risk financial jurisdictions list in January 2026.
“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,” he said.
