Two Nigerian brothers, Samuel Ogoshi, 22, and Samson Ogoshi, 20, have pleaded guilty to their involvement in an international sextortion ring that led to the tragic suicide of a 17-year-old Michigan boy, Jordan DeMay. The brothers, hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of years in prison for their heinous crimes.
The case, which has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian and American communities, highlights the growing threat of online sexual exploitation and the devastating consequences it can have on young lives. The Ogoshi brothers, along with a third defendant, Ezekiel Robert, 19, who is currently awaiting extradition from Nigeria, were charged with conspiracy to sexually exploit minors, conspiracy to distribute child pornography, and conspiracy to commit stalking over the internet.
According to US Attorney Mark Totten, the guilty pleas represent an extraordinary success in the prosecution of international sextortion. These convictions will send a message to criminals in Nigeria and every corner of the globe: working with our partners both here and overseas, we can find you and we can bring you to justice,” Totten stated in a press release.
The case came to light after Jordan DeMay, a promising high school football player from Marquette, Michigan, took his own life on March 25, 2022. DeMay had been targeted by the sextortion ring, which operated through hacked Instagram profiles, including one with the username “@dani.robertts.” The account, which appeared to be run by a woman, was used to entice and manipulate DeMay and other young men and teenage boys in the United States.
Investigators revealed that DeMay had sent an explicit photo of himself to the “@dani.robertts” account, which prompted Samuel Ogoshi to threaten the teen with releasing the image if he did not pay $1,000. Despite DeMay sending $300, Samuel continued to pressure the young man, threatening to forward the image to his family and friends.
The tragic events that followed have left the DeMay and the entire Michigan community in shock and mourning. US Attorney Totten expressed his hope that the guilty pleas would bring a small measure of relief to the family, acknowledging that the job is not done until all those responsible are brought to justice.
The case has also highlighted the growing concern over financial sextortion, which has become a rising and very serious threat targeting minors nationwide. Cheyvoryea Gibson, Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “This case shook the very core of our Michigan community.”
As the Ogoshi brothers await sentencing later this year, the fight to bring the third defendant, Ezekiel Robert, to justice continues. Robert, who was recently ordered by a Nigerian court to be extradited to the United States, hasaled the decision, and the matter is currently before the country’s High Court.
The international nature of this case underscores the need for increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies across the globe to combat scourge of online exploitation. The successful prosecution of the Ogoshi brothers serves as a testament to the dedication and collaboration of investigators in both Nigeria and the United States.
As the world becomes increasingly connected through technology, it is crucial for parents, and community leaders to remain vigilant in protecting young people from the dangers that lurk online. The tragic story of Jordan DeMay serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that sextortion can have on individuals, families, and entire communities.
In the wake of this heartbreaking case, it is essential for society to come together to support the victims and their families, while also working to prevent future tragedies. This can be achieved through increased education and awareness campaigns, as well as the development of more robust legal frameworks to prosecute those who engage online sexual exploitation.
The guilty pleas of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi mark a significant step forward in the fight against international sextortion, but the work is far from over. As the case continues to unfold, with the pending extradition ofekiel Robert, that the international community remains committed to bringing all those responsible to justice and ensuring that no more young lives are lost to this heinous crime.
