24-year-old Hassanbunhusyn Abolore Laval from the Nigerian state of Oson has been extradited to the United States to stand trial on charges of sextortion, which allegedly led to the suicide of 17-year-old Gavin Gaffi from South Carolina.
An investigation revealed that Laval posed as a young girl on social media, luring Gaffi into sending compromising photos, and then blackmailing him for money. The threats eventually extended to the victim’s family members. In July 2022, Gaffi tragically took his own life.
A federal grand jury in South Carolina has indicted Laval on five counts, including enticing a minor, production and distribution of child pornography, cyber stalking, extortionate threats, and conspiracy. The most serious charge – enticing a child resulting in death – carries a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Laval was apprehended in Nigeria and handed over to FBI agents on January 24, 2025, in Lagos. U.S. authorities commended the collaboration with Nigerian law enforcement, underscoring the significance of international cooperation in combating online predators.
“Predators targeting children will find no refuge, whether behind a screen or across the ocean,” remarked South Carolina prosecutor ADDD FORD BORROUZ.
This case is part of the National Project Safe Childhood initiative, which aims to combat crimes against minors on the internet.