Nigerian man extradited to US for alleged sextortion scheme that led to SC teen’s suicide
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This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

A Nigerian man has been extradited to the U.S. after being indicted for allegedly operating a sextortion scheme that led to a South Carolina teenager’s death.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina said in a press release that 24-year-old Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal of Osun State, Nigeria, has been indicted on charges of: 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 and abetting.

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

Gavin Guffey sitting outside

Gavin Guffey, 17, died by suicide in 2022 after becoming the victim of a sextortion plot on Instagram. (Brandon Guffey)

Gavin, who had just graduated from high school that spring and had a passion for art and music, shot himself that evening.

After his death, the scammer he met on Instagram tracked down Brandon Guffey and Gavin’s teenage cousin on Instagram and began demanding money from them.

“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.”

If convicted, Lawal faces up to life in prison. The charge of child exploitation resulting in death carries a mandatory sentence of 30 years in prison.

Lawal could also face mandatory restitution in which the court may order him to pay for losses incurred by the family as a result of his alleged scheme.

Fox News Digital’s Audrey Conklin contributed to this report.

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