(WACH) A Nigerian man has been extradited to the United States after being indicted for a sextortion scheme that led to a SC teen’s death.
Authorities say Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal, 24, of Nigeria, has been extradited to face prosecution in the death of 17-year-old Gavin Guffey.
“We will not allow predators who target our children to hide behind a keyboard or across the ocean. Today we honor Gavin’s life and continue our fight against sextortion by holding this defendant accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of Columbia. “This investigation and extradition are the result of tremendous law enforcement coordination both in the United States and Nigeria. We’re grateful to the many agencies who helped make this day possible.”
Guffy died by suicide in July 2022 after being victimized by the scheme allegedly ran by Lawal, according to authorities.
Lawal is accused of posing as a young woman on social media and coercing the teen into sending compromising photos.
Authorities say he then allegedly extorted and sent harassing messages to the teen threatening to leak the photos and ruin his reputation unless money was sent.
Lawal is accused of doing the same to members of his family, authorities said.
The federal indictment charges Lawal with child exploitation resulting in death, the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, coercion and enticement of a minor, cyberstalking resulting in death, interstate threats with intent to extort, and aiding/abetting.
“This indictment represents the culmination of countless hours of dedicated work done by our investigators both here and abroad,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The defendant’s alleged actions are reprehensible resulting in the tragic loss of a young man’s life. We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding criminals accountable, especially those who target our children and endanger their lives, no matter where they are.”
Lawal faces up to life in prison and mandatory minimum prison sentences on multiple charges.
