Update: Image of Nigerian Man Extradited to the U.S. in Connection with Alleged Sextortion Scheme Linked to Teen’s Suicide

A 24-year-old Nigerian man, Hassanbubhussein Abolore Lawal was extradited to the U.S. after being indicted for allegedly operating a s3xtortion scheme that led to a South Carolina teenager’s death by suicide. 

LIB reported that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina said in a press release on Monday, January 27, 2025, that Lawal of Osun State, has been indicted on charges of: child exploitation resulting in death; the production and distribution of child s3xual abuse material; coercion and enticement of a minor; cyberstalking resulting in d3ath; interstate threats with intent to extort; and aiding and abetting. 

The charges stem from an investigation into the death of 17-year-old Gavin Guffey, son of a South Carolina lawmaker, who died by suicide in July 2022 after falling into Lawal’s alleged scheme. 

Lawal posed as a young woman on social media and convinced the teen to send compromising photos. 

After the teenager sent the photos, Lawal sent harassing messages to him, threatening to leak the photos and ruin his reputation unless the teen sent him money. 

Lawal is accused of later doing the same to members of Guffey’s family.