Nigerian extradited to US jailed over sextortion scheme linked to young man’s death

Afeez Olatunji Adewale, a Nigerian national, has received a 60-month prison sentence in the United States for his involvement in a conspiracy involving money laundering and wire fraud. This scheme was connected to the sexual extortion and subsequent death of a young man in Pennsylvania.

United States District Judge Joel H. Slomsky handed down the sentence, which also includes three years of supervised release. Adewale was extradited from Nigeria to the U.S. in February 2026 and pleaded guilty to the charges in April of the same year. U.S. Attorney David Metcalf stated that the conviction brings closure to the prosecution of all three defendants involved.

"All three defendants have finally been brought to justice," said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. "I hope that their arrests, extradition, and prosecution make clear that the DOJ will go after those terrorizing our young people, no matter where the scammers and sextortionists may be." He added that while the case is closed, the thoughts of the prosecution remain with the victim's family and community.

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All three defendants have finally been brought to justice. I hope that their arrests, extradition, and prosecution make clear that the DOJ will go after those terrorizing our young people, no matter where the scammers and sextortionists may be.

Adewale's arrest in Nigeria on August 17, 2023, was part of a joint operation with the FBI targeting suspected sexual extortionists preying on U.S. victims. The extradition process involved extensive cooperation between U.S. and Nigerian law enforcement agencies, including the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs, the FBI, Nigeria's Attorney General, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, highlighted the sentencing as proof that criminals cannot escape justice, even across borders. "This final sentencing is the result of diligent investigative work and close coordination with our domestic and international law enforcement partners," Jacobs stated. "This case is a testament to the FBI’s unwavering commitment to pursuing those who exploit others online, regardless of where they operate."

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Today’s sentencing illustrates criminals cannot evade justice, even outside of our borders. This final sentencing is the result of diligent investigative work and close coordination with our domestic and international law enforcement partners.