The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 24 Nigerian nationals arrested by immigration officers over alleged criminal offences as the Donald Trump administration intensifies its immigration enforcement campaign.
The list identifies the Nigerians, the alleged offences linked to their cases and the locations where they were arrested across the United States.
According to the department, the arrests form part of the US government’s broader immigration enforcement efforts, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting operations in different parts of the country.
Full list of Nigerians and alleged offences
The 24 Nigerian nationals named in the announcement and the offences associated with their cases are listed below.
1. Emmanuel Omowaiye — Mail fraud; Richmond, Texas.
2. Laurene Onwuka — Fraud and impersonation; Chantilly, Virginia.
3. Olusegun Shonekan — Wire fraud; Newark, New Jersey.
4. Olusegun Olaseni — Amphetamine sale; Greencastle, Indiana.
5. Peter Ude — Wire fraud; Atlanta, Georgia.
6. Newton Jemide — Wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud; Fort Dix, New Jersey.
7. Shedrack Umukoro — Money laundering; Yazoo City, Mississippi.
8. Olasoji Akinbode — Fraud and impersonation; Kearny, New Jersey.
9. Oluwatosin Afolabi — Fraud; Conroe, Texas.
10. Alameen Adetunji Tokosi — Drug possession; Chicago, Illinois.
11. Joshua Ipoade — Wire fraud; Atlanta, Georgia.
12. Michael Orji — Weapons violation, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false citizenship and money laundering; Oxford, Wisconsin.
13. Ahmadu Apooyin — Drug-related offence; Baltimore, Maryland.
14. Teslim Kiriji — Money laundering; Yazoo City, Mississippi.
15. Onomen Uduebor — Identity theft; Seattle, Washington.
16. Charles Ochi — Money laundering; White Deer, Pennsylvania.
17. Daniel Eta — Wire fraud; White Deer, Pennsylvania.
18. Ifeanyi Ibennah — Cruelty towards a child; Tampa, Florida.
19. Kazeem Runsewe — Wire fraud; Thomson, Illinois.
20. Fatiu Lawal — Wire fraud; Lompoc, California.
21. Justin Akubueze — Money laundering; Orem, Utah.
22. Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo — Larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property; Orlando, Florida.
23. Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi — Assault; Alden, New York.
24. Bright Eigbedion — Money laundering; Lompoc, California.
US intensifies immigration enforcement
The DHS announcement comes amid the Trump administration’s broader campaign to strengthen immigration enforcement and increase arrests through operations carried out by ICE.
The department said the publication forms part of its efforts to publicise enforcement actions involving foreign nationals accused of criminal offences.
The list includes cases involving alleged financial crimes, such as wire fraud and money laundering, as well as drug-related offences, identity theft, assault and other alleged violations.