Two Nigerian brothers, Samuel Ogoshi (24) and Samson Ogoshi (21), have been sentenced to 18 years in prison each in the United States for their involvement in a sextortion scheme that targeted over 100 individuals, including 11 minors. The case tragically led to the death of a 17-year-old high school student, Jordan DeMay, from Marquette, Michigan.
The US Justice Department, in a press release on Thursday, revealed that the brothers exploited their victims by manipulating them into sending explicit material, which they then used to extort money. Their actions resulted in the tragic suicide of DeMay on March 25, 2022.
US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized that the sentencing of the Ogoshi brothers should serve as a deterrent to those involved in online sexual exploitation. Garland warned that such perpetrators, even if they operate internationally, would be found and brought to justice.
“These sentences should serve as a warning that perpetrators of online sexual exploitation and extortion cannot escape accountability for their heinous crimes by hiding behind their phones and computers,” Garland said.
The brothers were also sentenced to five years of supervised release for conspiracy to sexually exploit minors. They were extradited to the United States in August 2023 and pleaded guilty in April. The FBI’s Special Agent in Charge, Cheyvoryea Gibson, reiterated that the convictions ensure the brothers will no longer victimize minors.
The case also involved another Nigerian, Ezekiel Robert, who was charged in connection with the sextortion scheme in November 2022. The US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, used the case to caution the public on the dangers of internet exploitation and urged vigilance in the use of communication devices.
The sentencing of the Ogoshi brothers represents a significant step in addressing international cybercrimes and sextortion, holding criminals accountable regardless of their location.
