Tinubu applauds EFCC over FBI-backed sextortion crackdown

President Bola Tinubu has praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its role in a joint international operation. The operation led to the arrest and extradition of two Nigerians accused of sexually exploiting and extorting minors in the United States, P.M. News reports.

The praise followed a letter from FBI Director Kash Patel to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede that acknowledged Nigeria’s contribution to Operation Artemis.

The two suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, were extradited in August 2026 and now face federal charges in the US.

“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,” Tinubu said.

“Nigeria must never become a haven for criminals who exploit innocent people, whether at home or abroad.”

Tinubu linked the FBI’s recognition to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025. He also pointed to Nigeria’s removal from the EU’s list of high-risk financial jurisdictions in January 2026.