September 06, 2024
A US court has handed down an 18-year prison sentence to two Nigerian brothers, Emmanuel and Eseosa Igbinovia, for their involvement in a sophisticated sextortion scheme.
The brothers, who pleaded guilty to the charges, were found to have used fake social media profiles and manipulated victims into sending explicit images and videos.
They then threatened to release the compromising content unless the victims paid them.
The sextortion scheme, which targeted numerous victims across the US, resulted in significant financial and emotional distress for those affected.
On March 25, 2022, 17-year-old high school student, Jordan DeMay, from Marquette, Michigan, di3d as a result of this s+xtortion scheme, which targeted over 100 other victims, as well.
Speaking at the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said: “Today’s sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a thundering message to crim+nals who commit these schemes: you are not immune from justice. We will track you down and hold you accountable, even if we have to go half-way around the world to do so. The day when you could commit these crimes, rake in easy cash, d£§troy lives, and escape justice is gone.
And to parents, teenagers, and everyone who uses a cell phone: please, please be careful. These devices can connect you to crim+nal networks around the world. Don’t assume people are who they say they are. Don’t share compromising images. And if you’re a victim, please reach out. There’s help, and law enforcement stands ready.”
The 18-year sentence reflects the severity of the crimes committed by the Igbinovia brothers, and serves as a warning to others engaged in similar illicit activities.
