Nigerian brothers sentenced by US court

Samuel and Samson Ogoshi from Lagos, Nigeria, have been sentenced to 18 years in prison in the United States for their involvement in a sextortion scheme that led to the death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Michigan. The scheme targeted over 100 victims, including at least 11 minors.

U.S. Attorney Mark Totten emphasized that the sentencing serves as a strong warning to those involved in such crimes, stating, “You are not immune from justice. We will find and hold you accountable, no matter where you are.”

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stressed that these sentences are a message that perpetrators of online sexual exploitation cannot evade justice by hiding behind technology.

The Ogoshi brothers used hacked social media accounts to impersonate young women and extract explicit images from their victims. They threatened to release these images to the victims’ families and friends unless they paid money.

In November 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged the Ogoshi brothers along with another Nigerian, Ezekiel Robert, who is currently appealing his extradition to the U.S. Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson noted that the sentencing ensures these criminals will no longer harm minors, either in the U.S. or globally.

The case was investigated by the FBI, Marquette Sheriff’s Department, and Michigan State Police Cybercrimes Unit, with support from Nigerian authorities.