Nigerian Brothers Sentenced to 17 Years for Sextortion Linked to Teen’s Death

In a significant federal case, two brothers from Nigeria have been sentenced to 17.5 years in prison for their involvement in a sextortion scheme that targeted over 100 young men and teenage boys throughout the United States. This case gained particular attention due to its tragic connection to the suicide of a Michigan high school student, Jordan DeMay.

Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and his brother Samson Ogoshi, 21, pleaded guilty in April to charges of conspiring to exploit teenage boys sexually. Following their apprehension, the two were extradited from Nigeria to the U.S. to face justice, as highlighted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan.

The brothers allegedly operated an elaborate international sextortion ring. They created fake identities, posing as young women on social media, to lure vulnerable victims into their trap. The situation escalated dramatically after the brothers blackmailed DeMay, who ultimately took his own life in March 2022.

Jordan DeMay, just 17 years old, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being subjected to the Ogoshis’ threats. Evidence presented in court confirmed that Samuel Ogoshi was the individual who extorted him, further emphasizing the dire consequences of their actions.

U.S. Attorney Mark Totten expressed a strong message aimed at criminals, asserting that those who engage in such heinous acts cannot escape justice, even if it requires pursuing them across the globe. He urged parents and teens to remain vigilant, warning them of the potential dangers inherent in digital interactions and the need for caution when sharing personal information or images.

The issue of financial sextortion has grown alarmingly in recent years. Scammers often masquerade as attractive women on various social media platforms, coaxing individuals into sharing nude or suggestive photos. Once they have obtained these images, they threaten to publicly disclose them unless the victims pay up. The financial demands can be substantial, often reaching into the thousands of dollars.

The Ogoshis exploited their victims in a calculated manner. They meticulously gathered personal information from social media profiles, gaining insights into their victims’ lives to heighten the pressure of their blackmail tactics. They would create collages featuring compromising images alongside photos from their victims’ lives, making the threats feel even more personal and immediate.

In court records, it was revealed that the brothers provided instructions and scripts for their extortion efforts. An excerpt from their script illustrates their manipulative approach: victims were warned that intimate details about them would be shared widely unless they cooperated and paid up.

The Ogoshis particularly targeted a young man in Michigan, Jordan DeMay, using a fake Instagram account to threaten him for payment. After soliciting explicit images from DeMay, Samuel Ogoshi demanded $1,000, although DeMay managed to pay only $300. Following the initial payment, Samuel continued to exert pressure, insisting that he would expose DeMay’s private images to his family and friends if he didn’t comply further.

Tragically, DeMay’s despair culminated in a message indicating his intent to take his own life. When he reached out with cries for help, Samuel Ogoshi’s disturbing responses included comments encouraging DeMay’s suicide, further revealing the depths of the brothers’ cruelty.

The sextortion tactics employed by the Ogoshis are not isolated incidents. Reports indicate that sextortion schemes are becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly targeting teenage boys. A recent report highlighted Nigeria as a hotspot for such activities. Networks involved in these operations can be large and sophisticated, often making it difficult for authorities to keep up.

In response, federal agencies have expressed grave concerns over the rising threat posed by sextortion, especially towards minors. In just a short period, authorities received thousands of reports regarding online financial extortion targeting young people, leading to devastating outcomes, including multiple suicides.

It is crucial for individuals and families to understand the risks present in digital spaces. Resources exist to assist victims and those affected by sexual violence. Those who feel they may be victims of such crimes are encouraged to seek help from organizations dedicated to supporting survivors.

Additionally, anyone seeking mental health resources can access support through various emergency services available 24/7.

Source: USA TODAY