Tinubu hails EFCC as FBI praises Nigeria’s sextortion crackdown
EFCC
Abdullateef Fowewe
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after FBI Director Kash Patel praised the agency’s role in the arrest and extradition of Nigerian suspects accused of sextortion crimes against minors.
The commendation followed the EFCC’s contribution to Operation Artemis, a joint international investigation into financially motivated sextortion networks targeting children.
In a letter to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, Patel acknowledged the Commission’s support in apprehending and transferring two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, to the United States in August 2026.
Both men are facing federal charges in the U.S.
“The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration,” Patel wrote.
President Tinubu described the FBI’s recognition as evidence of Nigeria’s progress in fighting financial crime and deepening cooperation with international partners.
He praised Olukoyede and EFCC personnel for their professionalism in the operation.
“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,” the President said.
He added that Nigeria would not tolerate criminals who exploit vulnerable people, whether within the country or abroad.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The presidential commendation comes amid wider international recognition of Nigeria’s financial-crime reforms, including its removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list in October 2025 and the European Union’s high-risk financial jurisdictions list in January 2026.
Tinubu said the developments demonstrate his administration’s commitment to financial integrity, investor confidence, and stronger institutions.
“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.
The President urged the EFCC and other security agencies to sustain the momentum, assuring them of continued federal support in protecting Nigerians and combating financial crimes.
