Nigerian brothers sentenced to 17.5 years in prison in sextortion case linked to Michigan teen's suicide

Thursday was the sentencing day for two Nigerian brothers charged in a sextortion case that led to a Marquette teenager killing himself.

Authorities say both men will spend more than 17 years in prison for their roles in the online scheme.

Jordan Demay, 17, sent sexually explicit images on Instagram to what he thought was a girl.

Unable to pay $1,000 to the scammers who asked him to keep the photos secret, he committed suicide.

The Local 4 member spoke to his mother Thursday (Sept. 5) after the hearing.

Asked for her reaction to the sentencing, Demay's mother, Jennifer Buta, said: “Today was truly a historic day. And someone is being held accountable for what happened to Jordan. But whatever sentence the judge would have given these brothers, it doesn't change my life because Jordan is not coming back. But they have their time to serve for what they did to Jordan.”

Samson and Samuel Ogoshi both pleaded guilty last April to charges of conspiracy to sexually exploit minors.

On Thursday, the men were sentenced to 17.5 years in prison, marking the first time Nigerian criminals have been tracked down, charged and extradited to the United States to stand trial.

Demay's father spoke to the media shortly after the hearing.

“This is a message that the United States will not let this happen,” John said. “The message is to bad actors on the other side of the world: If they think they can hide behind the waters of the ocean, it’s over, and we will do everything we can to hold them accountable if they participate in these things.”

Both parents said it was time to act to protect our children and our communities.

“I think parents need to educate themselves on how social media works and understand that it’s a scam that no one is safe from,” Buta said. “They need to have open conversations with their kids: if someone asks them for pictures or money, they need to go to an adult for help. Also, these kids are the victims of this situation. If they’re being targeted, they shouldn’t be ashamed to come forward. And say, ‘This is what’s happening, can you please help me?’”

Jordan's case is still ongoing and another person is in Nigeria awaiting extradition to the United States to face charges.

Five people were implicated in the United States, including four in Georgia and one in Alabama.Their first court hearings will take place later this year.