Nigeria Extradites Suspect to US for Sexual Extortion and Murder Charges
In a significant development in international law enforcement cooperation, Nigeria has extradited Afeez Olatunji Adewale to the United States to face serious criminal charges. The suspect is accused of involvement in sexual extortion and murder, marking a high-profile case that underscores the collaborative efforts between the two nations.
Extradition and Court Appearance
Adewale made his initial appearance in federal court in Philadelphia before US Magistrate Judge Lynne A. Sitarski. The extradition was officially completed on Friday, February 13, following extensive coordination between US and Nigerian authorities. This process involved multiple agencies working together to ensure the suspect was transferred to face justice in the United States.
The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, David Metcalf, confirmed the extradition, stating it demonstrates the strong partnership between the United States and Nigeria in pursuing alleged offenders. The handover required the involvement of the US Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs, the FBI Legal Attaché in Abuja, and the FBI, with critical support from Nigerian entities including the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Justice's International Criminal Justice Cooperation Department, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Background of the Case
Adewale was originally arrested in Nigeria on August 17, 2023, during a joint operation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This operation targeted individuals involved in the sexual extortion of minors in the United States, highlighting the transnational nature of the crimes under investigation.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Philadelphia's Fort Washington Resident Agency and the Abington Township Police Department, with prosecution handled by Assistant US Attorney Patrick Brown. Metcalf emphasized that the charges are merely accusations at this stage, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Co-defendants and Previous Extraditions
Adewale is not the first suspect extradited in this case. His co-defendants, Imoleayo Samuel Aina, also known as "Alice Dave," aged 27, and Samuel Olasunkanmi Abiodun, aged 26, were extradited in August 2024. Both have since pleaded guilty to various charges and received prison sentences.
- Abiodun pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud, receiving a five-year prison sentence from US District Judge Joel H. Slomsky in June 2025.
- Aina pleaded guilty to multiple charges including cyberstalking, interstate threat to injure reputation, receiving proceeds of extortion, money laundering conspiracy, and wire fraud. He was sentenced to six years in prison by Judge Slomsky in October 2025.
These prior extraditions and convictions set a precedent for the current case involving Adewale, illustrating the ongoing efforts to combat financial and cyber crimes through international legal channels.
Implications for International Justice
The extradition of Afeez Olatunji Adewale represents a milestone in cross-border law enforcement cooperation. It signals a commitment from both Nigeria and the United States to address serious crimes that span national boundaries, particularly those involving exploitation and violence.
This case also highlights the role of agencies like the EFCC and FBI in coordinating complex investigations that require meticulous planning and legal expertise. As the proceedings continue in US courts, the outcome may influence future extradition cases and reinforce the importance of global partnerships in ensuring justice is served.
