Two Nigerian hackers involved in the ‘sextortion’ ring that led to the suicide of a Michigan high school football star pleaded guilty Wednesday.
Samuel Ogoshi, 22, and his brother, Samson Ogoshi, 20, admitted to conspiring to sexually exploit teenage girls two years after the suicide of then-17-year-old Jordan DeMay.
Samuel and Samson posed as a woman on Instagram, tricked Jordan into sending nude photos, and threatened the teen with sending him more money until he committed suicide with a gun in March 2022.
The Ogoshi brothers face a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years. The third suspect charged in connection with Jordan’s death, Ezekiel Ejehem, is awaiting extradition to the United States.
“I don’t think there’s enough justice for what these two men did to Jordan,” said Jordan’s father, John DeMay. FoxNewsDigital.
‘But I do think there is justice in this plea deal… to some extent, I guess. But overall, it’s just emotional. “It’s hard to believe we’re even in this situation.”
Samuel Ogoshi (left), 22, and his brother, Samson Ogoshi (right), 20, admitted to conspiring to sexually exploit teenage girls two years after the suicide of then-17-year-old Jordan DeMay.
The third suspect charged in connection with Jordan’s death, Ezekiel Ejehem, is awaiting extradition to the United States.
Just six hours later, on March 25, 2022, DeMay died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His last message was: ‘I’m committing suicide right now. Thanks to you’
Jordan, a high school senior from Marquette, Michigan, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in March 2022 after three Nigerian men pretended to be a woman online and forced him to send explicit photos of himself.
After the defendants tricked Jordan by sending him nude photos, they demanded $1,000 or threatened to share them with friends and family.
Just six hours later, on March 25, 2022, Jordan was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His last message was: ‘I’m committing suicide right now. Thanks to you.’
The tragedy sparked a major investigation involving Michigan authorities and the FBI to extradite the defendants in an unprecedented measure.
It is later revealed that the trio gained access to a hacked Instagram account of a woman named Dani. The defendant used it to establish contact with Jordan.
Jordan allegedly told Nigerians that he was going to commit suicide because of the horror they were inflicting on him.
The parents provided excerpts of text conversations between Jordan and the extortionists, according to NBC News.
‘I have screenshots (for) all your followers and tags. “I can send these nudes to everyone and also send your nudes to your family and friends until it goes viral… All you have to do is cooperate with me and I won’t expose you,” said one scammer.
“Are you going to cooperate with me… Just pay me right now… And I won’t expose you,” he added.
They demanded $1,000, but Jordan said he only had $300 to send. He replied: ‘I’m killing myself right now. Thanks to you.’
The brothers reportedly responded with, “Well…enjoy your miserable life.”
Jordan died just months before graduating from Marquette Senior High School, where he played on several sports teams.
Jordan DeMay died just months before graduating from Marquette Senior High School, where he played on several sports teams. In the photo: Jordan Demay with his parents.
After the defendants allegedly tricked DeMay by sending nude photos, they demanded $1,000 or threatened to share them with friends and family.
Samuel and Samson were arrested in January last year by Nigerian authorities at the request of the United States. On July 20, he was ordered to be handed over to US authorities to face charges.
The brothers were flown to the United States in August last year after being charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of minors and causing Jordan’s death.
Jordan’s father, John DeMay, said, “We’re very lucky to be here.” Many families have open cases. Some have no case.
‘Some are still wondering what happened to their loved ones, and we are very fortunate to be approaching Jordan’s second anniversary and to have guilty pleas and suspects extradited from another country.
An obituary dedicated to the teenager described Jordan as someone who loved sports such as baseball, football and basketball.
“Jordan was a compassionate, mature and team-oriented player who once described his goal of “being the best I can be as a person on and off the field,” the obituary said.
“He was a determined young man, who after being sidelined for a year with a serious knee injury, made the decision to rehab and made plans to attend college.”
The teenager, who leaves behind four sisters, his parents and his grandparents, had planned to study Athletic Training at university.
“Jordan possessed a great personality, loved and was very devoted to his family, especially his sisters, who simply adored him,” the obituary said.
‘He liked going to the beach, being in, on or near the water, and he was talented to the point of doing well at many of the things he tried. He will be remembered for his big smile, fluffy hair, great personality and ability to inspire others.”
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan said the guilty pleas “represent an extraordinary success in prosecuting international sextortion.”
“These convictions will send a message to criminals in Nigeria and in all corners of the world: by working with our partners both here and abroad, we can find them and bring them to justice,” Totten said.
If you or a loved one needs help, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.