On January 30, 2026, the United States Department of Justice released over three million pages of documents linked to the late American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking one of the largest disclosures in modern U.S. judicial history.
The files – containing emails, videos, images and investigative records spanning nearly two decades – relate to multiple federal and civil probes into Epstein’s activities before his death in custody in August 2019.
The release has renewed global scrutiny of Epstein’s network, alleged enablers and international connections, including several references to Nigeria, reviewed by The Whistler.
Who was Jeffrey Epstein?
Epstein was an American financier whose social circle included powerful politicians, business leaders, royalty and celebrities.
His private island, Little St. James in the U.S. Virgin Islands, became infamous as an alleged site of sexual abuse involving underage girls.
A 2005 investigation in Palm Beach identified dozens of victims, some as young as 14. However, a controversial 2008 plea deal saw Epstein serve just 13 months in custody after avoiding federal prosecution.
Following renewed investigations triggered by a Miami Herald exposé, Epstein was arrested again in July 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges. He died by suicide in a Manhattan jail on August 10, 2019, aged 66, while awaiting trial.
Epstein and Nigerian Women
One email sent to Epstein mentioned how Nigerian women have the shortest interbirth interval and should be selected for “cock up botty.”
Another email from an unnamed woman who appears to have undergone a body enhancement mentions a lunch held at the Italian embassy. “This is the only crowd that gets a kick out of Lagos [redacted] week as much as I do!!” the email reads.
One email sent by Epstein to request details of another unnamed woman reads, “I need a short bio and her full name, please! Tomorrow afternoon will try to send the complete list of options as she will need to sort out her visas/flights… She might enjoy seeing how tech startups in Nigeria look a lot different in Africa. Team is young and great fun, and it’s very safe for a day or two. She could also spend a day in Dubai!”
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, who was found guilty of child sex trafficking and other offences, also mentioned coming to Abuja, Nigeria, in two of the emails reviewed by The Whistler.
“Hello, Jeffrey. I just talked to my friend, and she is not in Paris now, she is in Nigeria, but will be back Thursday in Paris. Her name is Sadia, and here is her phone number: I hope you are enjoying your trip!” reads another email from one Nina K to Epstein
Involvement with the Gates Foundation On Polio Eradication In Nigeria
While not officially a staff or an adviser to the Bill Gates Foundation, Epstein was involved in the foundation’s polio eradication programme in Nigeria.
In many email exchanges, Epstein received and made comments on reports on vaccination efforts and challenges.
“Bill Gates said that his polio vaccinators are getting shot and killed in northern Nigeria. Pakistan and Afghanistan, how would you go about fixing the situation?” read one of Epstein’s emails to someone named SA.
Multiple email exchanges between the convicted paedophile and Terje Rod-Larsen, then the president of the International Peace Institute, discussed efforts to end poverty, hunger, and disease in developing countries.
“All these stories about fear of sterilization, men giving girls the vaccine is the media spin,” he said in one email addressed to Boris Nikolic, a doctor who worked as an adviser to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
He continued, “If he (Gates) wants to get their consent, he needs to use candles and small mirrors, the same as the Americans did with their native indians”
Nollywood Interest
In one email, an idea to ‘professionalize’ the African film industry was pitched to Epstein.
The author of the email, whose name was redacted by the DOJ, referred to Nollywood as a small movement where “no one knew how to do film.”
The email written in September 2012 also suggested building a small studio in Somaliland to be called Somaliwood Studios, while suggesting that the idea be mentioned to the ‘boys in LA.’
Nollywood is the Nigerian film industry, renowned as the world’s second-largest movie producer by volume, churning out approximately 2,500 to 10,000 films annually.
The pedophile was also involved in some business dealings with Nigerian partners.
One of such business is the acquisition of Bolloré Transport & Logistics Nigeria which Epstein discussed with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chief executive of Dubai-based logistics group DP World and Jide Zeitlin, a Nigerian-born investment advisor who served as chairman and CEO of Tapestry Inc., the parent company of luxury brands Coach and Kate Spade, making him one of the few Black CEOs of a Fortune 500 company at the time.
Sulayem’s first email to Jide reads; “Dear Jide, Jeffrey introduced us a while ago. We are very interested in Nigeria. The two locations available are Badagry and Lekki. We prefer Badagry because the infrastructure is better. We know that 3 years ago, Maersk line has signed an agreement with the government to develop Badagry. But so far, Maersk hasn’t started any construction. We can start to develop Badagry, Lekki is another location, but it has no infrastructure, and 10 years ago, Government has given concession to an indian company. We are very interested. I understand. Have good contact with bollore we are interested in their portfolio. Let’s talk.”
In other emails, Sulayem boasted of having met two Nigerians presidents at their invitation, as well as the then Governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode, and Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi.
In another business deal, Epstein was involved in the sale of a helicopter to a Nigerian buyer for about $1.8m. Later, one George Reenstra, a helicopter pilot, told Epstein that the majority of the hurdles are now resolved. It is unclear who the Nigerian buyer is.
Another email from American lawyer, David Stern to Epstein reads, “PA has asked me to see a guy who has access to Nigeria oil and when selling it to China (or somebody else), F. can make around $6m. This seems very fishy (as my boss JEE would say)”
Another email exchange seen by THE WHISTLER appears to be from Cecilia Varendh Mansson, CEO of TalentUp Africa, a Lagos-based startup that connects African tech talent with international opportunities.
In the emails, Mansson sent a presentation about TalentUp Africa as the organisation tried to raise $670K in seed investment.
“I am seeking seed investment for my start-up in Africa, and I am reaching out to very, very kindly ask if you would be willing to give me some advice? Thus, may I ask, would you have the time to speak with me / meet me at any point? I am in Philadelphia, and would be available to meet you/speak with at any time that is convenient to you,” one of the emails read.
It is unclear if Epstein eventually invested in the firm.
The Dangote Connection
Africa’s richest man and chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, was also mentioned in the files.
In an email reviewed, one of Epstein’s associates, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, sent a picture he took with Dangote to the convicted paedophile. The email was titled “WITH MR Dangote, the richest man in Nigeria.” Another email exchange was titled “Again Mr Dangote,” also containing picture attachments.
Sulayem is the chief executive of Dubai-based logistics group DP World. He had a close relationship with Epstein spanning many years.
The duo was also involved in some business dealings in Nigeria
Other Emails About Nigeria
In one email, the convicted paedophile seemed to commit $1m to the International Peace Institute’s works in Nigeria
In another iMessage text, Epstein said Nigerians are gangsters.
“It is never easy in Nigeria… lot of hungry hands,” reads another email to Epstein from George Reenstra, one of his associates
Reenstra added, “My guys are in Nigeria now, and they are meeting to discuss the next step on buying 472.” He noted that the process appeared to be “positive.”
