In a landmark case, two Nigerian brothers have been sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison in the United States for their involvement in a sextortion scheme that tragically resulted in the suicide of a 17-year-old Michigan boy. Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, were found guilty of luring Jordan DeMay into sending explicit images by posing as a girl his age on Instagram.
The brothers blackmailed DeMay, demanding hundreds of dollars under the threat of sharing the images with his friends. Just hours after their initial contact, DeMay took his own life, leaving his family devastated. In court, his mother, Jenn Buta, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “I am shattered to my core,” while holding photographs of her son.
This case marks the first successful prosecution of Nigerians for sextortion in the U.S., a crime that has been on the rise and is often associated with Nigeria. The Ogoshi brothers, who were extradited from Lagos, targeted not only DeMay but also 38 other victims across the country, 13 of whom were minors.
During the sentencing, the judge condemned the brothers’ actions as showing a “callous disregard for life,” particularly as they continued their criminal activities even after learning of DeMay’s death. The brothers, appearing in court in orange jumpsuits, expressed remorse, with Samson Ogoshi stating, “We made a bad decision to make money and I wish I could change that.”
The case has drawn attention to the growing issue of sextortion, with law enforcement agencies identifying Nigeria as a hotspot for such crimes. Another individual linked to the case is currently contesting extradition.
While the sentencing provides a measure of accountability, Jenn Buta reflected on the broader impact of the tragedy, noting that both families are suffering. “It’s a relief that someone is being held accountable, but there’s no good that’s coming out of this situation for my family or for the individuals responsible’s family,” she said.
As the community mourns the loss of Jordan DeMay, this case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the urgent need for awareness and prevention efforts.
