DHS Identifies 24 Nigerians in US Immigration Arrests, Lists Fraud and Other Alleged Offences
US Homeland Security has identified 24 Nigerians arrested by ICE, while leaving their deportation status and some conviction details unclear.
The United States Department of Homeland Security has published the identities of 24 Nigerians arrested by immigration officers in different parts of the country as part of the Trump administration’s enforcement campaign.
The department said US Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out the arrests across several states. Offences associated with the individuals include various forms of fraud, money laundering, identity theft, drug-related violations, assault, forgery, weapons offences and cruelty toward a child. However, the information released by DHS does not establish that every offence attached to a person on the list resulted in a criminal conviction.
Several of the Nigerians were linked by DHS to financial offences. Emmanuel Omowaiye was associated with mail fraud in Richmond, Texas, while Olusegun Shonekan, Peter Ude, Joshua Ipoade, Daniel Eta, Kazeem Runsewe and Fatiu Lawal were listed in connection with wire fraud in different locations. Newton Jemide was associated with wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud, according to the department.
Money-laundering allegations or offences were attached to Shedrack Umukoro, Teslim Kiriji, Charles Ochi, Justin Akubueze and Bright Eigbedion. Michael Orji was listed with several matters, including weapons violations, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false citizenship and money laundering. Olasoji Akinbode and Laurene Onwuka were associated with fraud and impersonation, while Oluwatosin Afolabi was listed under fraud.
Other cases involved different categories. DHS associated Olusegun Olaseni with the sale of amphetamine, Alameen Adetunji Tokosi with drug possession and Ahmadu Apooyin with a drug-related offence. Onomen Uduebor was listed for identity theft, Ifeanyi Ibennah for cruelty toward a child, Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo for larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property, and Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi for assault.
DHS presented the publication as part of a wider effort to highlight non-US citizens targeted by immigration enforcement. The department said the arrests fit into the administration’s broader deportation campaign, which has prioritised people it describes as having criminal records.
The available information does not say what final immigration decision has been reached in each of the 24 cases. It also does not provide details of individual deportation proceedings or confirm that all those named have already been removed from the United States.
That distinction is important when interpreting the announcement: the DHS publication confirms that the individuals were named in connection with ICE arrests and lists offences associated with their cases, but the source does not provide a complete court or immigration history for every person.