Epstein's Emails Reveal Ties to Nigeria, Dangote, and Nollywood

Newly released documents show the late financier's connections to Nigerian women, business deals, and the film industry.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Justice recently released over 3 million pages of documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, shedding light on his international connections, including several references to Nigeria. The files contain emails, videos, images, and investigative records spanning nearly two decades, revealing Epstein's involvement with Nigerian women, business deals, the polio eradication program, and the Nigerian film industry known as Nollywood.

Why it matters

The release of these documents has renewed global scrutiny of Epstein's network and alleged enablers, providing a rare glimpse into the financier's wide-ranging international activities and relationships. The revelations about his ties to Nigeria, one of Africa's most influential countries, are particularly significant and raise questions about the extent of Epstein's global reach and the potential complicity of powerful individuals and institutions.

The details

The emails mention Epstein's interest in Nigerian women, with one email referring to how Nigerian women have the shortest interbirth interval and should be selected for 'cock up botty.' Another email from a woman who appears to have undergone a body enhancement mentions a lunch held at the Italian embassy, stating 'This is the only crowd that gets a kick out of Lagos [redacted] week as much as I do!!' Epstein also discussed business deals in Nigeria, including the acquisition of Bolloré Transport & Logistics Nigeria and the sale of a helicopter to a Nigerian buyer for $1.8 million. Additionally, the files reveal Epstein's involvement in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's polio eradication program in Nigeria, as well as his interest in the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood.

  • On January 30, 2026, the United States Department of Justice released over three million pages of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

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.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's associate, who was found guilty of child sex trafficking and other offences.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

The chief executive of Dubai-based logistics group DP World, who had a close relationship with Epstein spanning many years and was involved in some business dealings in Nigeria.

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.

Aliko Dangote

Africa's richest man and chairman of Dangote Group, who was mentioned in the files.

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What they’re saying

“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?”

— Jeffrey Epstein (Email)

“All these stories about fear of sterilization, men giving girls the vaccine is the media spin. 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”

— Jeffrey Epstein (Email)

The takeaway

The release of Epstein's emails has shed light on the late financier's extensive international connections, particularly his ties to Nigeria, one of Africa's most influential countries. These revelations raise serious questions about the extent of Epstein's global reach and the potential complicity of powerful individuals and institutions, underscoring the need for continued scrutiny and accountability.