Two brothers from Lagos, Nigeria, have been sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison by a U.S. court for their roles in a sextortion scam that led to the suicide of a 17-year-old Michigan teenager. The case marks the first successful prosecution of Nigerians for sextortion in the United States, where such cybercrime is rapidly growing and often linked to Nigeria.
Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, pleaded guilty in April to conspiring to sexually exploit teenage boys in Michigan and across the U.S. The brothers lured Jordan DeMay into sending explicit images by posing as a girl his age on Instagram, then blackmailed him. DeMay took his own life less than six hours after the initial contact.
In the Marquette federal court, Jordan’s mother, Jenn Buta, held pictures of her son and wept as she read a victim impact statement. “I am shattered to my core,” she said. John DeMay, Jordan’s father, told the court he still has nightmares after finding his son dead in his bedroom, leading the family to move to escape the memory.
The Ogoshi brothers, dressed in orange jumpsuits and handcuffs, apologized to Jordan’s family in court. “I’m sorry to the family. We made a bad decision to make money and I wish I could change that,” Samson Ogoshi said. Their defense attorneys argued that the brothers’ crimes were fueled by drug abuse and the sextortion scam culture in Nigeria.
The judge stated that the crimes showed a “callous disregard for life,” particularly as the brothers continued targeting other victims after learning of Jordan’s death. The investigation identified 38 other U.S. victims, including 13 minors.
This case represents a significant breakthrough in combating international cybercrime. U.S. police tracked the criminals to Lagos last summer and successfully extradited them for trial, setting a precedent for future cases. Another Nigerian man linked to Jordan’s death and other cases is currently fighting extradition.
The sentencing has resonated in Nigeria, where cybercrime has become a significant issue. Professor Adedeji Oyenuga from Lagos State University expressed hope that news of the sentences would deter potential criminals. “The Ogoshis case has already sent a bad signal. I am hearing from street level that it is having an effect,” he said.
Dr. Tombari Sibe from Digital Footprints Nigeria emphasized the need for widespread coverage of the case to show young people that sextortion can lead to loss of life and long prison sentences. The case highlights the ongoing challenge of cybercrime in Nigeria, where such activities have become normalized among some youth.
As the U.S. and other countries grapple with the rise of sextortion crimes, this case serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of online exploitation and the international efforts required to combat it.
bbc.com
