The tragic scheme of se*xual extortion, which ultimately resulted in the death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay, unfolded in less than six hours.
Due to overwhelming fear that his naked pictures would be publicly shared, the teenager tragically took his own life in the early hours of March 25, 2022, via a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The chain of events that led to this heartbreaking outcome was started by three people from across the Atlantic who pretended to be a woman on Instagram. These people, later identified by American prosecutors as Nigerian brothers Samuel and Samson Ogoshi, as well as Ezekiel Ejehem Robert, allegedly duped the minor into sending explicit photos and then extorted him for $1,000.
Background
Jordan DeMay, 17, attended Marquette Senior High School in Michigan. He was a beloved role model, a homecoming king, and a star athlete. He was also the victim of an international se*xtortion ring, which drove him to commit suicide last March.
Se*xtortion is a cri*me in which people create false identities online, coerce victims to send naked photos of themselves, and then attempt to extort money in exchange for a promise not to post the photos. According to the FBI, se*xtortion is a growing threat that affects thousands of people each year, particularly young people.
Jordan DeMay was contacted by an Instagram account with the username “dani.robertts” that appeared to be from a woman. The account, however, had been compromised by Samuel Ogoshi, a 22-year-old Nigerian who allegedly used the profile to force young men to send him explicit images of themselves.
Ogoshi demanded $1,000 from Jordan DeMay after he sent a naked photo of himself. Jordan DeMay sent $300, and Ogoshi threatened to send the explicit image to his family and friends unless he sent more money. Jordan DeMay told him he was going to commit suicide hours later. “Good,” said Ogoshi. Do it quickly. Or I’ll force you to do it. God help me.”
This prompted Jordan to shoot himself in the head.
Jordan DeMay was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound by his parents. Their son’s death shocked and devastated them.
According to NBC News, the parents provided excerpts of text messages between DeMay and the extortionists.
‘I took screenshots of all of your followers and tags. I can send these nudes to everyone, as well as your nudes to your family and friends, until they go viral… ‘All you have to do is cooperate with me, and I won’t expose you,’ said one scammer.
‘Are you going to work with me… Simply pay me right now… And I’m not going to expose you,’ he added.
The Criminals Extradited
Nigerian authorities apprehended Samuel and Samson in January after receiving a request from the US. Following that, on July 20, they were ordered to be handed over to American officials to face the charges outlined in the indictment.
Demay tragically died just a few months before his expected graduation from Marquette Senior High School, where he was an active member of several sports teams.
If convicted, Samuel faces a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison, while Samson faces a maximum sentence of five years.
‘Se*xtortion is a horrible cri*me,’ says federal prosecutor Mark Totten.
‘To those who commit these cri*mes, we will pursue you all over the world. And to those who have been victims, please know that we are ready to assist you,’ he added.
I am very pleased with how quickly extradition efforts progressed, and I am grateful to the FBI and our Nigerian law enforcement partners for their unwavering efforts to secure justice in this international se*xual explo*itation investigation.’
‘Financial se*xtortion is a global crisis affecting teens in our country and around the world,’ said Devin J. Kowalski, the FBI’s Acting Special Agent in Charge in Michigan.
