Two Nigerian brothers, Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, were each sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison and five years of supervised release in the US. This sentencing is for their involvement in a sextortion scheme that caused the tragic suicide of a 17-year-old high school student.
The Justice Department revealed the news on September 5, 2024. The victim, Jordan DeMay from Marquette, Michigan, died on March 25, 2022. The Ogoshi brothers targeted him and over 100 other victims, threatening to release explicit photos unless they paid $1,000 to keep them private.
U.S. Attorney Totten stressed the severity of the crime and the ongoing investigations into other similar cases. The Ogoshi brothers, while living in Nigeria, used hacked social media accounts to pose as young women and trick victims into sending explicit images. They then blackmailed these victims with threats of exposing the images to their friends and family.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said,
“These defendants sexually exploited and extorted more than 100 victims, including at least eleven minors, resulting in the tragic death of a 17- year-old high school student,”
“These sentences should serve as a warning that the perpetrators of online sexual exploitation and extortion cannot escape accountability for their heinous crimes by hiding behind their phones and computers. The Justice Department will find them, no matter where they are, and we will bring them to justice in the United States.”
“Today’s sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a thundering message,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan. “To criminals who commit these schemes: you are not immune from justice. We will track you down and hold you accountable, even if we have to go half-way around the world to do so. The day when you could commit these crimes, rake in easy cash, destroy lives, and escape justice is gone. And to parents, teenagers, and everyone who uses a cell phone: please, please be careful. These devices can connect you to criminal networks around the world. Don’t assume people are who they say they are. Don’t share compromising images. And if you’re a victim, please reach out. There’s help, and law enforcement stands ready.”
“The sentencing of sextortionists Samuel and Samson Ogoshi ensures both international criminals will no longer victimize minors in the United States or throughout the world,” said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office.
“Spreading awareness on sextortion is a top priority of the FBI here in Michigan. Our hearts and prayers are with the loved ones of Jordan DeMay and those affected by the criminal acts of these individuals.”
In November 2022, Samuel, Samson, and another Nigerian, Ezekiel Robert, were charged in connection with this case. The Ogoshi brothers were extradited to the US in August 2023 and pleaded guilty in April. Robert’s extradition is still pending in Nigerian courts.
Additionally, on August 2, a federal indictment was unsealed against five people in the US who were accused of helping launder money for the sextortion scheme. The FBI and local law enforcement, along with Nigerian authorities, worked together on this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Mekaru and Davin Reust are handling the prosecution.
