…24 Newly Listed Nigerians Face Allegations Ranging From Wire Fraud, Money Laundering To Drug Offences
Daud Olatunji
The United States government has listed 157 Nigerians among foreign nationals identified under its “Worst of the Worst” criminal immigration enforcement initiative, as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal immigration.
The figure includes 24 Nigerians recently added to the list published and updated by the US Department of Homeland Security, with alleged offences ranging from wire fraud, money laundering and identity theft to drug-related crimes, weapons violations and assault.
The development forms part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement drive, which has prioritised the arrest and removal of foreign nationals accused or convicted of criminal offences.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the initiative is intended to fulfil Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations, beginning with individuals described by the government as the “worst of the worst”.
The department said its officials and agents of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement were carrying out the administration’s policy by targeting foreign nationals considered criminal offenders.
The published list identifies Nigerians facing a range of criminal charges across several American states. The report said those listed would be deported after serving their sentences in the United States.
However, the inclusion of a person on the list does not, by itself, establish that the individual has been convicted of the offence stated. Some of the descriptions refer to charges or allegations, while the material does not provide the judicial outcomes of all the cases.
Among the 24 newly listed Nigerians are Emmanuel Omowaiye, who faces a mail fraud charge in Richmond, Texas; Laurene Onwuka, charged with fraud and impersonation in Chantilly, Virginia; and Olusegun Shonekan, who faces a wire fraud charge in Newark, New Jersey.
Olusegun Olaseni is accused of selling amphetamines in Greencastle, Indiana, while Peter Ude faces a wire fraud charge in Atlanta, Georgia.
Newton Jemide is listed as facing charges of wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud in Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Other Nigerians on the list include Shedrack Umukoro and Teslim Kiriji, both facing money laundering charges in Yazoo City, Mississippi; Olasoji Akinbode, charged with fraud and impersonation in Kearny, New Jersey; and Oluwatosin Afolabi, who faces a fraud charge in Conroe, Texas.
Alameen Adetunji Tokosi is accused of drug possession in Chicago, Illinois, while Joshua Ipoade faces a wire fraud charge in Atlanta, Georgia.
Michael Orji is listed as facing multiple charges, including weapons violations, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false citizenship and money laundering in Oxford, Wisconsin.
Ahmadu Apooyin is accused of a drug-related offence in Baltimore, Maryland, while Onomen Uduebor faces an identity theft charge in Seattle, Washington.
Charles Ochi and Daniel Eta are both listed in connection with cases in White Deer, Pennsylvania, with Ochi facing a money laundering charge and Eta a wire fraud charge.
Ifeanyi Ibennah is accused of cruelty towards a child in Tampa, Florida, while Kazeem Runsewe faces a wire fraud charge in Thomson, Illinois.
Fatiu Lawal is listed as facing a wire fraud charge in Lompoc, California, while Justin Akubueze faces a money laundering charge in Orem, Utah.
The other Nigerians named in the latest update are Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo, who faces charges of larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property in Orlando, Florida; Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi, accused of assault in Alden, New York; and Bright Eigbedion, who faces a money laundering charge in Lompoc, California.
The offences cited in the latest additions highlight the range of criminal cases involving foreign nationals targeted under the initiative, from financial and identity-related crimes to drug offences and alleged violent conduct.
The US government has maintained that its deportation campaign is aimed at removing foreign nationals who pose criminal or public safety concerns. However, the information provided in the published list does not establish the final court outcomes in every case.
The latest figures bring the number of Nigerians identified in the initiative to 157, according to the report, although further details on their individual immigration statuses, convictions and deportation timelines were not provided.
The development underscores the potential immigration consequences facing Nigerians who encounter the American criminal justice system, as the Trump administration continues to pursue its mass deportation policy.
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