As the Donald Trump administration steps up its immigration enforcement efforts, the US Department of Homeland Security has made public the names and photos of 24 Nigerian nationals detained by immigration officers on suspicion of criminal offenses.
The Nigerians were detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in various parts of the nation, according to information released by the department on Thursday.
Wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, drug-related offenses, identity theft, assault, forgery, weapons violations, and child abuse are among the offenses mentioned.
DHS said it was highlighting foreign nationals with criminal records who had been detained by immigration enforcement officials when it announced the arrests.
“The US Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the department said.
It added, “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.”
Full list of 24 Nigerians named by DHS
The list published by the department identifies the Nigerian nationals, the offences associated with their cases and the locations where they were arrested.
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.
DHS said the announcement was part of the US government’s broader immigration enforcement drive, with ICE carrying out arrests across the country.
The publication comes as the Trump administration pursues its policy of removing non-US citizens identified as priorities under its immigration enforcement programme.
However, the information released by DHS does not specify the final immigration status of each individual or provide details of their respective deportation proceedings.
It’s disappointing to hear of Nigerians being implicated in alleged crimes abroad. Such reports can damage the reputation of the many Nigerians who live and work honestly around the world. I can’t help wondering why some people choose to engage in activities that bring shame to the country. Nigerians deserve to be known for their talent, integrity, and achievements—not alleged fraud and money laundering
