Two brothers from Nigeria, Samuel and Samson Ogoshi, have pleaded guilty to their involvement in an international sex extortion scheme that led to the suicide of a 17-year-old boy in Michigan in 2022. The brothers face a maximum of 30 years in prison for conspiring to sexually exploit teenage boys in the United States by posing as a young woman online. One of their victims was Jordan DeMay, a high school student in Marquette Township, Michigan, who died by suicide after being manipulated into sending sexually explicit images of himself to the brothers. DeMay’s death prompted an investigation by the FBI and local law enforcement that ultimately led to the arrest of the Ogoshi brothers.
The brothers allegedly collaborated with a third man named Ezekiel Robert, who is fighting an extradition order in Nigeria. The plea agreement states that the brothers, along with Robert, purchased hacked Instagram accounts to contact teenage boys and young men, manipulating them into producing and sharing sexually explicit images or videos. Once a victim sent the content, the men would blackmail them into sending money. Prosecutors reported over a hundred victims, with at least 11 of them being minors. In March 2022, the Ogoshi brothers spoke to DeMay under the guise of a young woman to extort him, threatening to expose him if he didn’t cooperate. DeMay was only able to pay $300, leading to more threats from the perpetrators.
DeMay’s mother, Jennifer Buta, shared that her son was staying at his father’s home at the time of his death and sent her a text message that stated, “Mother, I love you.” The next morning, she tried to reach out to him but received no response. DeMay’s father later discovered his son had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The brothers were extradited to the United States following an investigation by federal agents alongside local law enforcement in Nigeria. Buta expressed gratitude for the agencies involved in bringing the perpetrators to justice, acknowledging that while the conviction won’t bring her son back, it will help prevent similar crimes in the future.
In response to the tragic events, Buta emphasized the importance of mental health support, encouraging those in need to reach out for help. She highlighted resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and dontcallthepolice.com for mental health and crisis support. She described the impact of Jordan’s legacy on raising awareness of the crime and changing its trajectory. Buta’s message serves as a reminder of the devastating effects of online exploitation and the critical need for safeguarding vulnerable individuals, particularly teenagers, from such predatory behavior. The guilty pleas of the Ogoshi brothers shed light on the dark world of sex extortion and the urgency of combatting such crimes through cooperation among law enforcement agencies and public awareness campaigns.
The case of the Ogoshi brothers and their involvement in the sex extortion scheme underscores the dangers posed by online predators targeting vulnerable individuals, especially teenagers. The brothers’ actions led to tragic consequences, including the suicide of a young victim who fell prey to their manipulation. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and local police, played a crucial role in investigating the crime and bringing the perpetrators to justice. By extraditing the brothers to the United States and holding them accountable for their actions, authorities sent a strong message that such exploitative behavior will not be tolerated.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, DeMay’s family has spoken out about the importance of mental health support and crisis intervention for individuals facing similar situations. Buta’s advocacy for resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline highlights the need for accessible and effective assistance for those struggling with mental health issues. The impact of DeMay’s death on his loved ones serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting effects of online exploitation and the devastating consequences it can have on victims and their families. By sharing their story, DeMay’s family hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of online extortion and encourage others to seek help when needed.
