Three Nigerians Jailed For Extorting 100 US Citizens

The United States has sentenced two Nigerian brothers to 18-year imprisonment each. This is for engaging in sextortion of a 17-year-old high school student, Jordan DeMay.

Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, had also bagged five years of supervised release each over conspiracy to sexually exploit minors.

This was disclosed in a press release by the US Justice Department on Thursday. They revealed that the duo exploited and extorted money from over 100 persons. Also including 11 minors, which led to the death of DeMay, a resident of Marquette, Michigan.

In a statement, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said the sentence of the Ogoshi brothers would serve as a deterrent to those engaging in Internet sexual manipulation and extortion.

Garland said, “These defendants sexually exploited and extorted more than 100 victims. Which included 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. Because we will bring them to justice in the United States.”

In his submission, the US Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan. Had used the conviction of the Nigerian nationals to warn criminals. He urged people to be circumspect when using phones and communication gadgets.

“The sentencing of sextortionists Samuel and Samson Ogoshi has ensures that. Both international criminals will no longer victimize minors in the United States or throughout the world.” Said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office.

On March 25, 2022, 17-year-old high school student, Jordan DeMay, of Marquette, Michigan died. This is as a result of this sextortion scheme, which targeted over 100 other victims.

In November 2022, the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan charged the brothers and another Nigerian, Ezekiel Robert. In the sextortion scheme that resulted in the demise of DeMay.

The Ogoshi brothers were extradited to the US in August 2023 and pleaded guilty in April.