Two Nigerian brothers have been sentenced to prison after being convicted of extorting 100 US citizens, following an investigation into their fraudulent activities.
Two Nigerian brothers have been sentenced to 18 years in prison each by the United States for committing sextortion against Jordan DeMay, a high school student who was only seventeen at the time.
Samuel Ogoshi, aged 24 and Samson Ogoshi, who is 21 years old were also sentenced to five years of supervised release for participating in a conspiracy that involved the sexual exploitation of young individuals.
On Thursday, the US Justice Department released a press statement stating that over 100 people – including 11 minors- were exploited and extorted for money by this duo. Tragically, one of their victims was DeMay from Marquette, Michigan who lost her life due to these criminal actions.
The Attorney General, Merrick B. Garland, conveyed through a statement that the punishment given to the Ogoshi siblings would discourage individuals who participate in online sexual manipulation and extortion.
Garland stated that over 100 victims, including a minimum of eleven minors, were sexually exploited and extorted by these defendants. The dreadful outcome was the death of a high school student aged 17 years.
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A cautionary message is being conveyed that individuals who indulge in online sexual exploitation and blackmail cannot evade responsibility for their repugnant acts by concealing themselves behind electronic devices. Irrespective of their location, the Justice Department pledges to track them down and ensure that they face legal consequences in the United States.
Mark Totten, the US Attorney for Western District of Michigan cautioned against criminals by citing Nigerian nationals’ conviction and advised people to exercise caution while using phones and communication devices in his submission.
“The prosecution and sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi for sextortion ensures that these international criminals will never again be able to prey on minors, not only in the United States but also worldwide,” stated Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI Detroit Field Office.
Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old high school student from Marquette, Michigan lost his life on March 25, 2022 due to the sextortion tactics that also affected more than one hundred other victims.
The brothers and Ezekiel Robert, a Nigerian accomplice, were charged by the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan in November 2022 with involvement in a sextortion plot that led to DeMay’s death.
In August 2023, the Ogoshi brothers were extradited to the US and later admitted their guilt in April.
