Nigerian brothers jailed in US over sextortion scheme leading to teen’s suicide

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Two Nigerian brothers, Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, have each been sentenced to 17 years and six months imprisonment and five years of supervised release in the US for their role in a sextortion scheme that resulted in the death of a teenage boy by suicide.

 

The Justice Department announced this in a statement on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

On March 25, 2022, 17-year-old high school student, Jordan DeMay, of Marquette, Michigan, died as a result of this scheme, which targeted over 100 other victims. He was told that the sexually explicit images he believed he sent to a girl would be released if he didn’t pay $1,000 to keep them secret.

“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,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

“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.”