In a significant development, two Nigerian nationals, Samuel Ogoshi (22) and Samson Ogoshi (20), hailing from Lagos State, Nigeria, have been extradited to the United States from their home country.
This extradition follows their indictment in May 2023 on charges related to a widespread sexual extortion ring targeting young men and teenage boys across the United States, with a focus on the Western District of Michigan.
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The US Embassy in Abuja released a statement on Tuesday confirming the extradition, highlighting the efforts of US Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan. Samuel Ogoshi, one of the accused, faces an additional charge in connection with the tragic death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Marquette, Michigan. The young victim was found deceased due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound in March 2022.
U.S. Attorney Totten expressed his determination to combat such heinous crimes, stating, “Sextortion is a horrible crime. To those who commit these crimes: we will pursue you around the world. And to those who are victims: please know we stand ready to help you.”
Appreciating the efficient extradition process, U.S. Attorney Totten commended the unwavering efforts of the FBI and Nigerian law enforcement agencies. He emphasized the significance of securing justice in this cross-border investigation involving sexual exploitation.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Devin J. Kowalski from the FBI Michigan Field Office addressed the global scope of the issue, stating, “Financial sextortion is a global crisis that impacts teens in our country and around the world.” He reaffirmed the FBI’s commitment to collaborating with both domestic and international law enforcement partners to prevent the victimization of young individuals through this distressing crime.
The accused individuals, Samuel and Samson Ogoshi, are scheduled to make their initial appearance at the federal courthouse in Grand Rapids on Monday afternoon. This appearance will take place at a time determined by the court.
The Nigerian authorities apprehended the Ogoshi brothers in January based on the request from the United States. Subsequently, Nigerian prosecutors facilitated the extradition process. In a significant legal development, Honourable Justice B.F.M. Nyako ordered the extradition of both Samuel and Samson Ogoshi to the United States on July 20. The final surrender order, signed by B.E. Jedy Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Nigerian Federation on August 3, authorized the transfer of the Ogoshi brothers to West Michigan.
In the initial indictment from May, Samuel Ogoshi and Samson Ogoshi faced a four-count charge. Samuel Ogoshi faced Count 1, involving sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor leading to death. This charge carries a potential life sentence, with a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison.
Count 2 implicated both defendants in a conspiracy to sexually exploit minors, leading to the creation of child pornography used for blackmail. This charge could result in a maximum sentence of 30 years, along with a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison.
Count 3 accused both men of conspiring to distribute child pornography by disseminating explicit images to the minors, as well as their families and friends. The possible punishment for this count is a maximum of 20 years in prison, along with a mandatory minimum of five years.
Count 4 addressed a conspiracy to commit internet-based stalking in relation to the sextortion activities directed at both minors and young adults. The maximum sentence for this charge is five years.
All charges include provisions for fines, restitution, and supervised release upon completion of their prison terms.