Sextortion Syndicate: How Nigerian Scammers Are Blackmailing Teens to Suicide

In a groundbreaking expose, the BBC has delved deep into the dark world of sextortion scams originating from Nigeria, where young scammers target vulnerable teenage boys across the globe. This investigation reveals the harrowing tactics used to exploit teens, leading to tragic outcomes like suicides. With rising cases reported worldwide, understanding this threat is crucial for parents, educators, and young people. Join us as we unpack the mechanics, victim stories, and the bold efforts to confront these criminals head-on.

How Sextortion Scams Targeting Teens Operate in Nigeria

Sextortion involves scammers posing as attractive young women on platforms like Snapchat and Instagram to lure teenage boys into sharing intimate photos or videos. Once obtained, they demand money, threatening to distribute the material to family, friends, or schools. These operations have evolved into organized "Hustle Kingdoms," resembling call centers in Lagos, where young men in their 20s use scripts, fake profiles, and even deepfake technology to maximize victims.

Scammers generate fake names and profiles, targeting hundreds daily. They exploit teens' high sex drive and fear of exposure, viewing Western youth as privileged and easy marks. Some incorporate "Yahoo Plus," blending cyber fraud with rituals like animal sacrifices for supposed protection and success. A deepfake app costing $3,500 allows realistic lures with hired actors, escalating the sophistication of these scams.

In impoverished areas like Makoko, scammers operate from stilt houses, sharing tips on TikTok and YouTube in Nigerian Pidgin. Unemployment and poverty drive this subculture, normalizing cyber-crime among youth. Authorities note scammers moving to neighboring countries as crackdowns intensify.

Victim Stories: Evan Boettler and the Tragic Impact of Sextortion on Teens

The BBC spotlights 16-year-old Evan Boettler from Missouri, described by parents Kari and Brad as a bright, funny teen who loved fishing and sports. In January 2024, Evan was contacted on Snapchat by "JennyTee60," who quickly coerced explicit images and blackmailed him. Within 90 minutes, overwhelmed, Evan took his own life.

Kari recalls, "When they finally told us that night that he was gone, it didn't make any sense." Brad adds, "I couldn't even put into words how much I loved him." Their grief fuels a quest for answers, hindered by platforms like Meta refusing data without court orders.

Similarly, 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Michigan was targeted on Instagram in 2022. Scammers, posing as a girl, extracted photos and demanded money. Jordan sent what he could, but threats escalated: "Good... Do that fast or I'll make you do it." He died by suicide in under six hours. His mother, Jenn Buta, preserves his room and campaigns on TikTok, amassing over a million likes with awareness videos.

Gavin Guffey, 17, from South Carolina, faced similar horrors in 2022, leading to his suicide. His father, Representative Brandon Guffey, sues Meta for inadequate protections. These stories highlight sextortion's rapid, devastating effects, with at least 27 US suicides linked in two years.

BBC Investigation Process into Nigerian Sextortion Scammers Targeting Teens

BBC reporter Tir Dhondy traced an IP address from Evan's case to Lagos, Nigeria. With local fixers, the team infiltrated Makoko, filming inside a Hustle Kingdom for the first time. They interviewed scammers like Ola, who admitted, "I don't feel bad because I need the money," and Ghost, a leader denying sextortion involvement, calling it for those with a "black heart."

Ade, 20, demonstrated a ritual sacrificing a dove for wealth. Another showed deepfake tools. The trail went cold due to data retention failures by provider GloWorld and platform restrictions. Back in the US, Dhondy met the Boettlers and Guffey, exposing systemic failures.

Arrests and Extraditions in Sextortion Cases Involving Nigerian Scammers

Progress includes arrests: Brothers Samuel and Samson Ogoshi from Lagos pleaded guilty to child exploitation in Jordan's case, awaiting sentencing. Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal, 24, was extradited for Gavin's death, facing life in prison after pleading not guilty. Nigeria's National Cyber Crime Centre director Uche Ifeanyi Henry defends efforts, stating they've prosecuted many and invested in infrastructure.

In April 2025, two Nigerians were arrested after an Australian boy's suicide. Others face trial in Lagos for US and Canadian deaths. Meta removed 63,000 accounts in 2024, but critics like whistleblower Arturo Bejar argue platforms avoid addressing harms.

Statistics and Global Rise of Sextortion Targeting Teenage Boys

Sextortion is exploding: US FBI reports doubled to 55,000 in 2024. UK National Crime Agency gets 110 monthly reports. IWF handled 723 underage reports in early 2025, 224 involving extortion. Victims span US, Europe, and even Nigeria, with scammers also in southeast Asia.

Prevention Tips and Resources for Protecting Teens from Sextortion Scams

Experts advise: You're not alone; report to platforms, block predators, save evidence, seek adult or law enforcement help before paying. IWF's Report Remove tool creates digital fingerprints to block image sharing. Childline offers UK counseling. Platforms like Snapchat claim zero tolerance, auto-limiting teen interactions.

Parents should discuss online dangers openly. Jenn Buta urges, "Co-operating rarely stops blackmail, but law enforcement can."

Broader Implications and Calls for Action Against Nigerian Sextortion Networks

This investigation exposes how poverty drives youth into crime, blending tech and rituals. Global cooperation is needed; Nigeria seeks UK and Japanese partnerships. Critics demand better platform accountability, as Meta invests billions but faces lawsuits.

For families like the Boettlers, justice remains elusive, but awareness grows. As Jenn campaigns, stories like these push for change, potentially saving lives.

Challenges in Combating Sextortion Scams Targeting Teens Worldwide

Barriers include data privacy laws, international jurisdiction, and scammers' mobility. Under-reporting due to shame exacerbates the issue. Enhanced education, tech safeguards, and prosecutions are vital.

Future Outlook on Fighting Sextortion from Nigeria

With extraditions rising, pressure mounts on Nigeria. Investments in cyber centers signal commitment, but eradicating this requires addressing root causes like unemployment.

Conclusion: Raising Awareness on Sextortion Targeting Teens

The BBC's probe into Nigerian sextortion scammers underscores a urgent global threat. By sharing these stories, we honor victims like Evan, Jordan, and Gavin, urging vigilance and reform to protect future generations.