Two Nigerian hackers in the “sextortion” ring that caused a Michigan high school football star to commit suicide pleaded guilty Wednesday.
Samuel Ogoshi, 22, and his brother, Samson Ogoshi, 20, admitted to conspiring to sexually exploit teenage boys two years after the suicide of Jordan DeMay, then 17.
Samuel and Samson posed as women on Instagram, had Jordan send nude photos and threatened to send the teen more money until he killed himself with a gun in March 2022.
The Ogoshi brothers face a minimum prison 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 US.
“I don’t know if there is any kind of justice that is good enough for what these two men did to Jordan,” said Jordan’s father, John DeMay. Fox News digital.
“But I do believe there is justice in this plea deal… to some extent, I think. 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 conspiring to sexually exploit teenage boys two years after the suicide. Jordan DeMay, then 17
The third suspect charged in connection with Jordan’s death, Ezekiel Ejehem, is awaiting extradition to the US.
Just six hours later, on March 25, 2022, DeMay was dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His last message was: ‘I’m killing myself now. By you’
Jordan, a high school student from Marquette, Michigan, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in March 2022 after three Nigerian men posed as a woman online and forced him to send explicit photos of themselves.
After the defendants tricked Jordan into sending 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 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His last message was: ‘I’m killing myself now. By you.’
The tragedy sparked a massive investigation involving Michigan authorities and the FBI to extradite the defendants in an unprecedented move.
It is later revealed that the trio gained access to a hacked Instagram account belonging to a woman named Dani. The suspect used it to contact Jordan.
Jordan reportedly told the Nigerian men that he would commit suicide because of the horror they inflicted on him.
The parents provided excerpts of text conversations between Jordan and the blackmailers NBC News.
“I have a screenshot of (for) all your followers and tags. I can send these nudes to anyone and also send your nudes to your family and friends until it goes viral… All you have to do is work with me and I won’t expose you,” said one scammer.
“Are you going to work with me… Just pay me 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 now. By you.’
The brothers reportedly responded with, “Fine…enjoy your miserable life.”
Jordan died just months before he was expected to graduate from Marquette Senior High School, where he played on multiple sports teams.
Jordan DeMay died just months before he was expected to graduate from Marquette Senior High School, where he played on multiple 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 by authorities in Nigeria in January last year at the request of the US. On July 20, they were ordered to be handed over to US authorities to face charges.
The brothers were flown to the US in August last year after being charged in a four-count indictment with sexually exploiting minors and causing Jordan’s death.
Jordan’s father, John DeMay, said, “We’re so lucky to even be here. So many families have open cases. Some have no case at all.
“Some are still wondering what happened to their loved ones, and we are truly fortunate that we have not yet seen Jordan’s two-year anniversary of guilty pleas and suspects extradited from another country.
In an obituary dedicated to the teen, Jordan was described as someone who enjoyed sports, including baseball, football and basketball.
“Jordan was a compassionate, mature and team-oriented player who once described his goal as ‘being the best I can be as a person, both 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, decided to undergo rehabilitation and made plans to go to university.’
The teenager, who is survived by four sisters, his parents and his grandparents, planned to study athletic training at university.
“Jordan possessed a wonderful personality, loved and was deeply devoted to his family, especially his sisters who simply adored him,” the obituary said.
“He loved going to the beach, being in, on or near the water, and was so talented that he did well at many of the things he tried. He will be remembered for his big smile, bushy 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 the prosecution of international racketeering.”
“These convictions will send a message to criminals in Nigeria and all corners of the world: by working with our partners here and abroad, we can find you and bring you to justice,” Totten said.
If you or a loved one needs help, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.