Two Nigerian Brothers Sentenced to 17 Years in US for Sextortion Scheme Leading to Teenager’s Suicide

Two Nigerian brothers, Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, have been sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison each, along with five years of supervised release, in the U.S. for their involvement in a sextortion scheme that led to the suicide of a teenage boy. The Justice Department announced the sentences in a statement on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

Jordan DeMay

On March 25, 2022, 17-year-old high school student Jordan DeMay from Marquette, Michigan, took his own life as a result of a sextortion scheme orchestrated by the Ogoshi brothers. This scheme targeted over 100 victims, including at least eleven minors. DeMay was threatened with the release of sexually explicit images he believed he had sent to a girl unless he paid $1,000 to keep them private.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “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.”

U.S. Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan added, “Today’s sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a thundering message: 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 halfway 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. To parents, teenagers, and everyone who uses a cell phone: be cautious. These devices can connect you to criminal networks globally. Don’t assume people are who they say they are. Don’t share compromising images. And if you’re a victim, reach out. There’s help, and law enforcement stands ready.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Detroit Field Office remarked, “The sentencing of sextortionists Samuel and Samson Ogoshi ensures these international criminals will no longer victimize minors in the United States or globally. Spreading awareness about 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.”

At a press conference on Thursday, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten highlighted the serious and ongoing threat posed by sextortion schemes, noting that multiple other deaths linked to such schemes are currently under investigation in the Western District of Michigan.

In their plea agreements, Samuel and Samson Ogoshi admitted to running a sextortion scheme from Nigeria that targeted over 100 victims, including at least 11 minors. The Ogoshi brothers used these schemes to sexually exploit their victims and extort money from them, leading to devastating consequences, including the tragic death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay.

Jordan DeMay

U.S. Attorney Totten’s remarks underscored the extensive reach of these criminal activities and the urgent need for vigilance and preventive measures to protect potential victims from similar threats.

As detailed in their plea agreements, Samuel and Samson Ogoshi engaged in a scheme while living in Nigeria to sexually exploit more than 100 victims, including at least 11 identified minor victims.

Samuel and Samson Ogoshi

They then conducted extensive online research to gather detailed personal information about their victims, including their locations, schools, workplaces, and connections. Using this information, they coerced their minor victims into producing sexually explicit images. The Ogoshi brothers then combined these explicit images with other photos of the victims and their surroundings, creating collages that they threatened to release unless the victims paid money through online cash applications.

The scheme’s devastating impact was highlighted by the tragic death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay, which led to the investigation and subsequent charges. In November 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan charged the Ogoshi brothers and Ezekiel Robert in connection with this case. The Ogoshi brothers were extradited from Nigeria in August 2023 and pleaded guilty in April 2024.

Ezekiel Robert, who also faces charges, was ordered to be extradited by a Nigerian court on March 21, but he has appealed this decision, and the matter is under review by the Nigerian High Court.

In addition, on August 2, U.S. Attorney Totten announced a separate federal indictment against five U.S.-based defendants accused of conspiring to commit money laundering that facilitated the sextortion scheme. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the Marquette Sheriff’s Department, and the Michigan State Police Cybercrimes Unit in collaboration with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Department of State, and Nigeria’s Attorney General’s Office – Ministry of Justice played crucial roles in the arrest and extradition processes.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Mekaru and Davin Reust from the Western District of Michigan are handling the prosecution of the case.