The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 24 Nigerians arrested by immigration authorities over various alleged criminal offences as the country continues its deportation operations.
The individuals were arrested in different parts of the United States by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to information published by DHS.
The offences listed against them include wire and mail fraud, money laundering, drug-related crimes, identity theft, assault, forgery and cruelty towards a child.
In a statement announcing the arrests, DHS said the publication was intended to highlight non-US citizens with criminal records who had been apprehended by immigration enforcement officers.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the department said.
It added that DHS and ICE were carrying out President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda, beginning with individuals the administration considers high-priority targets for immigration enforcement.
“Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst – including the illegal aliens you see here,” the department said.
Full List of 24 Nigerians Named by US Authorities
The list released by DHS identifies the Nigerian nationals, the offences associated with their cases and the locations where they were apprehended.
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 offence, 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.
DHS said the publication formed part of the US government’s wider immigration enforcement campaign, with ICE responsible for carrying out arrests across the country.
The announcement comes amid continued efforts by the Trump administration to remove non-citizens considered priorities for immigration enforcement.
However, the information released by DHS does not provide detailed updates on the final immigration status or deportation proceedings of each individual.
Being named on the list does not, by itself, confirm that a person has been deported. The offences listed should also be understood as allegations or case descriptions provided by US authorities, rather than proof of guilt in every case.