TWO Nigerian siblings were sentenced by the Justice Department in the United States of America to 210 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to sexually exploit minors.
The siblings were identified as 24-year-old Samuel Ogoshi, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, both of Lagos, Nigeria.
On March 25, 2022, it was gathered that a 17-year-old high school student, Jordan DeMay, of Marquette, Michigan, died as a result of this sextortion scheme, which targeted over 100 other victims.
“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,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
“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 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,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan.
“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.
“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,” said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office.
At a press conference today, U.S. Attorney Totten emphasized the scope of this threat and the need for vigilance by sharing that multiple other deaths tied to sextortion schemes are under investigation in the Western District of Michigan.
As detailed in their plea agreements (here and here), 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.
They purchased hacked social media accounts and used them to pose as young women, making fake profiles and using the messaging feature on the social media accounts to contact victims.
They conducted online research about their victims to learn where they lived, attended school, worked, and the identities of their family and friends.
They then solicited their minor victims to produce sexually explicit images of themselves. Once they received the images, they created a collage of pictures that included the sexually explicit image with other images of the victim and their school, family, and friends.
The Ogoshi brothers threatened to disclose the collages to the family, friends, and classmates of the victim unless the victim agreed to pay money using online cash applications.
In November 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan charged Samuel Ogoshi, Samson Ogoshi, and Ezekiel Robert, all Nigerian nationals, in the sextortion scheme that resulted in the death of Jordan DeMay.
The Ogoshi Brothers were extradited to the United States in August 2023 and pleaded guilty in April.
On March 21, a Nigerian court ordered Robert to be extradited to the United States. He has appealed that decision, and the matter is before the Nigerian High Court.
In addition, on Aug. 2, U.S. Attorney Totten announced the unsealing of a federal indictment in a separate case charging five U.S.-based defendants with conspiring to commit money laundering that facilitated the sextortion scheme.
