Three Nigerian men, Samuel Ogoshi (22), Samson Ogochi (20), and Ezekiel Ejehem Robert (19), are facing accusations of global sexual extortion that resulted in the suicide of a teenage boy in the United States. The trio is currently awaiting extradition to the U.S., where they have been indicted and charged with sexually extorting several young men and teenage boys in the Western District of Michigan and other parts of the country.
Mark Totten, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, revealed that the federal indictment against the three Nigerians was unsealed on May 3, 2023. One of the accused individuals is also charged with causing the death of Jordan DeMay, a young man from Marquette, Michigan.
“On March 25, 2022, 17-year-old DeMay was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death prompted an investigation by the Marquette County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which culminated in the indictment unsealed today,” the statement read.
“Sextortion is a horrible crime that can leave especially younger victims feeling ashamed with nowhere to turn,” Mark Totten said. “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. 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,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan.
Speaking, EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, said: “International cooperation is critical. In the last two years, this coordination has strengthened efforts connected with the extradition, deportation, and mutual legal or other assistance between Nigeria and the United States involving Economic and Financial Crimes.”