Twenty-Four Nigerian Nationals Held in US on Fraud, Money Laundering Charges

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disclosed the identities and images of twenty-four Nigerian citizens who were taken into custody by immigration officials. These arrests stem from various alleged criminal activities, occurring as the Donald Trump administration ramps up its efforts in immigration enforcement.

The specified charges against these individuals encompass a range of serious offences, including wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, drug-related crimes, identity theft, assault, forgery, weapons violations, and child cruelty.

In announcing these arrests, the DHS emphasized its focus on non-US citizens with criminal histories who have been apprehended by immigration enforcement officers. A statement from the department highlighted, “The US Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).” It further 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.”

The full roster of the 24 Nigerians identified by the DHS includes:

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.

The DHS clarified that this announcement forms part of the US government’s broader immigration enforcement initiative, which involves ICE conducting arrests nationwide. This publication aligns with the Trump administration’s ongoing strategy to remove non-US citizens identified as priorities under its immigration enforcement agenda. However, the information disseminated by the DHS does not detail the ultimate immigration status of each individual, nor does it provide specifics regarding their respective deportation proceedings. Their inclusion on this list does not automatically confirm their deportation or that every listed offence has resulted in a criminal conviction.