A Federal Judge in the Western District of Michigan has sentenced Samuel Ogoshi (24) and Samson Ogoshi (21), two Nigerian brothers, to 210 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. The brothers were convicted of conspiring to sexually exploit minors through an extensive sextortion scheme.
The operation, which affected over 100 victims including at least 11 minors, was linked to the tragic death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Marquette, Michigan, who died on March 25, 2022.
US Attorney Mark Totten emphasized, “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: those who engage in such criminal schemes will face justice. We are committed to tracking down and prosecuting perpetrators, regardless of their location.”
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland added, “These sentences should act as a deterrent against online sexual exploitation and extortion. The Justice Department will relentlessly pursue those responsible for these egregious crimes, wherever they may be.”
According to their plea agreements, Samuel and Samson Ogoshi orchestrated the exploitation scheme from Nigeria. They acquired hacked social media accounts to impersonate young women, creating fake profiles to contact victims. By conducting detailed online research, they identified personal information about their victims, including their schools, workplaces, and social circles.
The Ogoshi brothers coerced their minor victims into producing sexually explicit images, which they then used to create threatening collages. These collages, combining explicit images with other personal photos, were used as leverage to extort money from the victims via online cash applications.
In November 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan charged Samuel Ogoshi, Samson Ogoshi, and a third Nigerian national, Ezekiel Robert, in connection with the sextortion scheme leading to Jordan DeMay’s death. The Ogoshi brothers were extradited to the United States in August 2023 and pleaded guilty in April 2024.
On March 21, 2024, a Nigerian court ordered the extradition of Ezekiel Robert to the United States. Robert has appealed this decision, and the case is currently under review by a High Court in Nigeria.
Cheyvoryea “FBI” Gibson, Special Agent in Charge in Michigan, stated, “The sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi ensures that these international criminals will no longer be able to exploit minors, either in the U.S. or globally. Raising awareness about sextortion is a critical priority for the FBI. Our thoughts and condolences remain with the family of Jordan DeMay and all those affected by these heinous crimes.
