The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) received information from the FBI about three Nigerian men who were part of a sextortion organisation.
The EFCC has detained these individuals.
Jordan DeMay, an American, was killed as a result of sexual extortion committed by three Nigerian males who are currently awaiting extradition.
The unsealing of a federal indictment accusing three Nigerian men of sexually extorting countless young men and teenage boys in the Western District of Michigan and across the country was announced by U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten on Wednesday.
According to TV6, one of these men is accused of being responsible for Jordan DeMay’s death in Marquette, Michigan.
The three men could be tried in the United States upon extradition.
Although Mark Totten told TV6 that they would be extradited to a court in the Western District of Michigan, it is unknown when their extradition will take place and when they will make their first public appearance in the United States.
The EFCC and the Nigerian authorities have been a crucial part of this case, and U.S. Attorney Totten wants to express his gratitude for their assistance.
DeMay, age 17, was discovered dead on March 25, 2022, following a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
His death sparked a probe by the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which resulted in the indictment that was unveiled on Wednesday.
USA Court Charges Against Nigerian Men
The defendants, Samuel Ogoshi, 22, Samson Ogoshi, 20, and Ezekiel Ejehem Robert, 19, all of Lagos, Nigeria, are charged in a four-count indictment:
Count 1 charge – In connection with Jordan DeMay’s passing, Samuel Ogoshi was charged with sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor that resulted in death.
The offence carries a minimum required sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison.
All three men are accused in count two of conspiring to sexually exploit minors by having the kids create child pornographic images that the defendants then used as leverage against the kids.
The crime carries a required minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years.
Count 3 charges all three men with Conspiracy to Distribute Child Pornography for sending the child pornography images to the minors, as well as their families and friends. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison.
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Count 4 charges Conspiracy to Commit Stalking Through the Internet for engaging in this sextortion scheme, as it relates to both minors and young adults.
The charge has a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.
All charges have provisions for fines, restitution, and supervised release after their release from prison.
U.S Attorney Statement On The Sex Crime
“Sextortion is a horrible crime that can leave especially younger victims feeling ashamed with nowhere to turn,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten.
“My heart goes out to the family of Jordan DeMay. Nothing can bring Jordan back, but my office is committed to securing justice and, alongside Jordan’s family, sending an urgent warning so others can protect themselves and their families.
“We will travel the world to hold the perpetrators of these crimes accountable.
“Financial sextortion is a global crisis that impacts teens in our country and around the globe,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan.
“That’s why the FBI is working hand in hand with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to prevent youth from becoming victims of this tragic crime and to hold those who target our teens in this manner accountable – no matter where in the world they may be”.
Also, Jordan DeMay’s family made a statement at the press conference on Wednesday.
They said: “Our family has forever been changed by this heinous crime and our objective is to prevent another individual from being victimised. Kids, teenagers, young adults and even adults can be a target of sextortion.
“We urge you to have discussions about this and have a plan for your children to reach out if it does happen to them”.
Also, the grand jury alleges that on March 25, 2022, after DeMay was persuaded to send a naked picture of himself, Samuel Ogoshi used the dani.robertts account to extort him.
The chat exchange between DeMay and Samuel Ogoshi, which led to DeMay’s death, has been released.
Meanwhile, sextortion is the practice of extorting money or sexual favours from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity.
