A combo of President Bola Tinubu and Ola Olukoyede Photo: InshotÂ
By Abdullahi Abubakar
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a letter from the Director of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, praising the Commission’s role in apprehending and extraditing suspects involved in international sextortion crimes against minors.
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President Information & Strategy states that the letter to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the FBI Director acknowledged the Commission’s contribution to Operation Artemis, a joint investigation targeting criminal networks involved in the sexual exploitation and extortion of children.
The statement further notes that the operation led to the arrested and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, in August 2026. Both are facing federal charges in the United States.
“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 commendation as further recognition of Nigeria’s progress in combating financial crimes and strengthening international law enforcement cooperation.
The commendation comes amid growing international recognition of Nigeria’s anti-corruption and financial crime reforms, including the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 and the European Union’s high-risk financial jurisdictions list in January 2026.
It reiterates that these developments reflect his administration’s commitment to strengthening financial integrity, restoring international confidence and creating a more secure environment for legitimate businesses and investment.
The President urged the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to sustain their efforts, assuring them of his administration’s continued support in protecting Nigerians, combating financial crimes and strengthening the country’s standing among its international partners.
