BREAKING NEWS: Nigerian Extradited to U.S. Over Teen’s Sextortion-Related Death | Factsheet News.

In a significant legal development, Nigerian national Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal has been extradited to the United States to face charges related to a sextortion scheme that led to the tragic death of a South Carolina teenager. Lawal, 24, is accused of posing as a woman online to extort 17-year-old Gavin Guffey by coercing him into sending explicit photographs and subsequently demanding money under threat of public exposure. Overwhelmed by the situation, Guffey took his own life in July 2023.

Gavin was the son of South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey, who has since become a vocal advocate against sextortion. In response to his son’s death, Rep. Guffey championed the passage of “Gavin’s Law,” legislation that classifies sextortion as a felony and imposes harsher penalties, especially in cases involving minors.

Lawal’s extradition underscores the international collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. authorities to address and combat online sexual exploitation. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. If convicted, Lawal faces significant legal consequences for his alleged actions. This case highlights the growing global concern over online sextortion and the devastating impact it can have on victims and their families. Authorities continue to urge individuals to exercise caution when engaging with unknown persons online and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.