By ISAAC AREGBESOLA

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated extradition proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja against three suspects, Samson Ogoshi, his brother, Samuel and Ezekiel Ejemeh Robert, over alleged exploitation of minors and production of child pornography.

The EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, made this known on Monday in a statement in Abuja.

According to Uwujaren, the Ogoshis and Ezekiel were indicted in a U.S.A Federal Court on Dec.1, 2022 on charges of exploitation of minors and production of child pornography resulting in death.

He said they were also indicted on conspiracy to distribute child pornography and conspiracy to commit stalking through the internet.

“According to investigations, the suspects conspired to conduct a sex-based extortion of minors and adults in the United States of America.

“The trio, investigations also revealed, hacked some social media accounts, posing to be young attractive women to entice unsuspecting victims to send their sexually explicit photographs.

“These pictures were then used in blackmailing the victims, thereby forcing them into making huge financial payments,” he said.

The anti-graft agency spokesperson said consequently, Samuel Ogoshi was charged with sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of minors that resulted in the death of one Jordan DeMay.

He said that the offence carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a statutory mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison.

“The trio are charged with conspiracy to sexually exploit minors by causing them to produce child pornographic images that they used to blackmail them.

“They are further charged with conspiracy to distribute child pornography, which borders on sending images to minors, their families and friends, as well as conspiracy to commit stalking through the Internet.

“Both offences carry a minimum of five years and maximum 20 years imprisonment.

“While the Ogoshis were arrested sometime in February, 2023 around the Ojo axis of Lagos, Ezekiel was picked up in Nasarawa by operatives of the EFCC,” Uwujaren said. (NAN)

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