Nigerian Extradited to United States Over Alleged Sexual Extortion Linked to Teen’s Death in Pennsylvania

 Nigerian Extradited to United States Over Alleged Sexual Extortion Linked to Teen’s Death in Pennsylvania

A 26-year-old Nigerian citizen, Afeez Olatunji Adewale, has been extradited to the United States to face federal charges connected to an alleged sexual extortion scheme that authorities say is linked to the death of a teenager in the state of Pennsylvania.

United States prosecutors confirmed that Adewale was transferred from Nigeria to U.S. custody on February 13, 2026, following his arrest in August 2023 during an international law enforcement operation targeting online sexual exploitation and financial crimes involving minors. The extradition marks a major development in a case that has drawn international attention due to its tragic outcome and cross-border nature.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Adewale has been formally charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges stem from allegations that he participated in an online extortion network that targeted young victims in the United States, coercing them into sending money under threats of exposure.

Adewale made his initial appearance before Lynne A. Sitarski, a U.S. Magistrate Judge, at a federal court in Philadelphia earlier this week. Prosecutors stated that he will remain in custody pending further court proceedings, as the investigation continues.

U.S. authorities disclosed that Adewale’s arrest and extradition were made possible through close cooperation between American and Nigerian agencies. The operation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation, working alongside Nigerian security institutions and legal authorities. Officials described the collaboration as critical in ensuring that suspects accused of serious crimes involving minors are brought to justice, regardless of international borders.

The extradition process was coordinated by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, with support from the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Abuja. Upon his transfer, Adewale was taken into U.S. custody by federal agents and transported to Pennsylvania to face prosecution.

American officials also acknowledged the role played by Nigerian authorities, including the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Justice’s International Criminal Justice Cooperation Department, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The agencies were praised for their cooperation in facilitating the extradition and supporting international efforts to combat cyber-enabled crimes.

Adewale is the third Nigerian national charged in connection with the case. Two other defendants, Imoleayo Samuel Aina, also known online as “Alice Dave,” and Samuel Olasunkanmi Abiodun, were extradited to the United States in August 2024. Both individuals have since entered guilty pleas to various charges related to the scheme.

Court records show that Abiodun pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. In June 2025, Joel H. Slomsky, a United States District Judge, sentenced him to five years in federal prison. Aina later admitted guilt to multiple offences, including cyberstalking, interstate threats, receiving proceeds of extortion, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. He was sentenced to six years in prison in October 2025.

Investigators say the criminal network operated by manipulating and intimidating victims online, using threats and deception to extort money. The case gained heightened attention after authorities linked the alleged extortion activities to the death of a teenage victim in Pennsylvania, prompting renewed calls for stronger safeguards against online exploitation.

The investigation was carried out by the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, particularly its Fort Washington Resident Agency, in partnership with the Abington Township Police Department. Prosecutors handling the case emphasised that combating online sexual exploitation remains a top priority for U.S. law enforcement agencies.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, authorities stressed that Adewale remains presumed innocent under U.S. law unless and until proven guilty in court. His legal team is expected to challenge the charges as the case progresses through the judicial system.

The extradition underscores the growing commitment by Nigerian and U.S. authorities to address cybercrime and protect vulnerable individuals from online abuse. It also highlights the increasing use of international cooperation to pursue suspects accused of committing digital crimes across borders.

Further court hearings are expected in the coming weeks as prosecutors continue to build their case against Adewale.