In a shocking case that has gained international attention, two Nigerian men have been extradited to the United States to face charges of sexually extorting multiple young men and teenage boys.
Samuel Ogoshi, 22, and Samson Ogoshi, 20, both from Lagos, Nigeria, are accused of committing these atrocious acts across the United States, with a particular focus on the Western District of Michigan.
The case has gained significant attention due to the tragic death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay, a resident of Marquette, Michigan, who took his own life in March 2022. Samuel Ogoshi is accused of being directly responsible for DeMay’s death.
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten, representing the Western District of Michigan, has emphasised the severe nature of the crimes being alleged. Totten stated, “Sextortion is a horrible crime. To those who commit these crimes: we will pursue you around the world. And to those who are victims: please know we stand ready to help you.”
This high-profile case has also drawn attention to the global crisis of financial sextortion. Devin J. Kowalski, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Michigan Field Office, highlighted the far-reaching impact of this problem. Kowalski stated, “Financial sextortion is a global crisis that impacts teens in our country and around the world.”
The Ogoshi defendants are set to make their first appearance at the federal courthouse in Grand Rapids. Nigerian authorities apprehended them in January, following a request from the United States. The extradition process was coordinated by Nigerian prosecutors.
Sexual extortion, also known as sextortion, is a form of blackmail that involves coercing individuals into providing sexual acts or explicit images through threats or manipulation. The proliferation of technology and the internet has facilitated the rise of such crimes on a global scale. These cases often involve the perpetrator exploiting a power imbalance or emotionally manipulating the victim to fulfil their demands.
The charges faced by the Ogoshi defendants highlight the international nature of this problem. With the help of technology, criminals can target victims from anywhere in the world, making it crucial for law enforcement agencies to work together.
The charges against Samuel and Samson Ogoshi stem from a four-count indictment, which accuses them of engaging in heinous crimes involving the sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, which tragically resulted in death. If convicted, Samuel and Samson face severe penalties, with the charge carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison and a statutory mandatory minimum of 30 years.
In addition to the charges related to the exploitation of a minor resulting in death, both defendants are also facing charges of conspiracy to sexually exploit minors, produce child pornographic images, distribute child pornography, and commit stalking through the internet. These charges reflect the gravity of the offences committed and underline the urgent need for justice.
The grand jury’s allegations shed light on the horrifying modus operandi employed by the defendants. It is alleged that Samuel and Samson successfully manipulated hacked social media accounts to pose as young women, thereby deceiving unsuspecting teenage and young adult males into explicit conversations. Through coercion and manipulation, the defendants forced their victims into sending explicit images, which were then combined with personal information to create collages that were later used for blackmail.
The collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies played a crucial role in ensuring the arrest and extradition of the Ogoshi defendants. The FBI worked in tandem with Nigerian law enforcement officials, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the U.S. Department of State to bring the perpetrators to justice. This joint effort highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating such heinous crimes and underscores the commitment of these agencies to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from online exploitation and abuse.
Within the United States, initiatives like Project Safe Childhood have been established to safeguard children from online exploitation and abuse. This case serves as a stark reminder of the necessity of such programs. By engaging in a collaborative approach, local and federal law enforcement agencies are working together to combat child exploitation, educate communities, and provide resources to ensure the safety of children.
