How Nigerian sextortion scammers caused suicide

Sextortion is the fastest growing threat to teenagers worldwide, linked to more than 27 suicides in the US. 

Jordan Booth, a 17-year-old from Michigan, was the victim of sextortionists who forced him to send intimate photos via Instagram and then demanded money by threatening to publish the photos. Jordan sent them all his savings and warned them that he would kill himself if they shared the photo.

The criminals replied cruelly: “Do it quickly – or I will do it for you.” Six hours after the blackmail began, Jordan committed suicide. The two Nigerians involved in the case have been arrested and extradited to the US, where they are awaiting trial on charges of child sexual exploitation.

Sextortion, or sexual blackmail, involves the use of intimate photos to extort money. Many scammers in Nigeria use social media to lure teenagers and blackmail them by threatening to publish their photos. Although Nigeria is trying to fight this crime, many criminals remain unpunished due to insufficient cooperation with international authorities.

Sextortion is a serious problem that continues to threaten the lives of teenagers around the world. International cooperation is needed to effectively combat these crimes, as well as support for victims and their families. Jordan’s mother, Jenn Booth, has become an activist on TikTok, raising awareness about the dangers of sextortion.