Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal, a 24-year-old from Osun State, Nigeria, has been extradited to the United States. He faces prosecution following an indictment for his involvement in a sextortion scheme that led to the death of a South Carolina teenager. The charges against him include child exploitation resulting in death and other related offenses.
The investigation began after Gavin Guffey, a 17-year-old from Rock Hill, died by suicide in July 2022. It is alleged that Lawal posed as a young woman on social media to coerce Guffey into sending compromising photos. Lawal then threatened to leak these images unless he received money. The indictment also accuses Lawal of targeting the victim's family with similar tactics.
Lawal could face life imprisonment if convicted, with mandatory minimum sentences applicable on several counts. A federal Grand Jury in South Carolina returned the indictment in October 2023. Following extradition proceedings, FBI agents took custody of Lawal in Lagos on January 24.
U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs emphasized the commitment to holding predators accountable: "We will not allow predators who target our children to hide behind a keyboard or across the ocean." Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office, noted that "this indictment represents the culmination of countless hours of dedicated work done by our investigators both here and abroad."
The case benefited from cooperation between U.S. and Nigerian authorities, including assistance from Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other agencies.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, which aims to protect children from online exploitation. Various law enforcement bodies are collaborating under this initiative to prosecute individuals who exploit minors.
If someone you know is affected by sextortion, it is advised to report it to local law enforcement and the FBI.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the FBI Columbia Field Office and the York County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels, Lothrop Morris, and Michael Shedd are handling prosecution duties.
All charges remain accusations until proven beyond reasonable doubt in court.
