A 24-year-old Nigerian, Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal, from Osun State, has been extradited to the United States to face prosecution over allegations of sextortion that resulted in the tragic death of a South Carolina teenager, Gavin Guffey.
Guffey, a 17-year-old resident of Rock Hill, South Carolina, took his own life in July 2022 after allegedly falling victim to Lawal’s scheme.
Authorities claim Lawal posed as a young woman on social media, coercing the teen into sending compromising photos. He then reportedly threatened to expose these photos unless Guffey paid money. Lawal allegedly extended his threats to the teen’s family, creating immense distress.
The charges against Lawal include child exploitation resulting in death, production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, coercion of a minor, cyberstalking, extortion, and aiding and abetting. If convicted, he faces up to life imprisonment, with mandatory sentences on several charges, including a minimum of 30 years for child exploitation resulting in death.
Following months of investigation, a federal grand jury in South Carolina indicted Lawal in October 2023. On January 24, 2025, FBI agents, with assistance from Nigerian law enforcement, extradited Lawal from Lagos.
U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs, representing South Carolina, emphasized the significance of holding predators accountable, stating, “We will not allow predators to hide behind a keyboard or across the ocean. Today, we honor Gavin’s life and continue the fight against sextortion.”
The FBI Columbia Field Office Special Agent in Charge, Steve Jensen, highlighted the extensive cooperation between U.S. and Nigerian authorities, applauding the commitment of all involved in bringing Lawal to justice.
Key Nigerian agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Attorney General’s Office, played vital roles in the identification, arrest, and extradition of Lawal. This cross-border collaboration exemplifies the global fight against child exploitation.
The case falls under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative focused on combating online child abuse and exploitation. The initiative unites federal, state, and local agencies to investigate, prosecute offenders, and educate communities about online safety.
The tragic loss of Gavin Guffey underscores the urgent need for vigilance against online predators, as authorities worldwide continue their efforts to protect children from such heinous crimes.
