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Two Nigerian men charged in a sextortion plot that led to the suicide of a Marquette teenager have pleaded guilty.
In U.S. District Court Wednesday, 22-year-old Samuel Ogoshi and 20-year-old Samson Ogoshi, from Lagos, each entered guilty pleas on a single charge of conspiracy to exploit teenage boys. The crime carries a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, and a maximum of 30 years.
The plea agreement describes the roles played by the Ogoshis in creating fake accounts, luring, and extorting victims. As part of their pleas, the Ogoshi brothers also agree to cooperate in the prosecution of others. Charges against a third defendant, Ezekiel Robert, are still pending. Proceedings to extradite him from Nigeria continue.
The Ogoshis will be sentenced later this year.
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten called the pleas “an extraordinary success in the prosecution of international sextortion.” He added that the convictions “will send a message to criminals in Nigeria and every corner of the globe. Totten credited Nigerian government officials for their assistance in the case.
In March, 2022, 17-year-old Jordan DeMay of Marquette took his life, after being threatened by the Ogoshi brothers. Officials encourage anyone approached by these type of extortionists to report the attempt to law enforcement officials.
