The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 24 Nigerians arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over alleged offences ranging from fraud and money laundering to drug-related crimes, identity theft and assault.
The disclosure forms part of the U.S. government’s immigration and criminal enforcement operations under President Donald Trump, which target non-U.S. citizens with criminal records.
According to the information released, the Nigerians were linked to various offences in different locations across the United States.
Those named include Emmanuel Omowaiye, accused of mail fraud in Richmond, Texas; Laurene Onwuka, listed for fraud and impersonation in Chantilly, Virginia; and Olusegun Shonekan, linked to wire fraud in Newark, New Jersey.
Others are Olusegun Olaseni, accused of amphetamine sales in Greencastle, Indiana; Peter Ude, listed for wire fraud in Atlanta, Georgia; Newton Jemide, linked to wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud in Fort Dix, New Jersey; and Shedrack Umukoro, accused of money laundering in Yazoo City, Mississippi.
The list also includes Olasoji Akinbode, fraud and impersonation, in Kearny, New Jersey; Oluwatosin Afolabi, fraud, in Conroe, Texas; Alameen Adetunji Tokosi, drug possession, in Chicago, Illinois; Joshua Ipoade, wire fraud; and Michael Orji, whose listed offences include weapons violations, identity theft, fraud, false citizenship and money laundering.
Other Nigerians named are Teslim Kiriji, money laundering, in Yazoo City, Mississippi; Onomen Uduebor, identity theft, in Seattle, Washington; Charles Ochi, money laundering, and Daniel Eta, wire fraud, both in White Deer, Pennsylvania.
The remaining names are Ahmadu Apooyin, linked to a drug-related offence; Ifeanyi Ibennah, cruelty towards a child, in Tampa, Florida; Kazeem Runsewe, wire fraud, in Thomson, Illinois; Fatiu Lawal, wire fraud, in Lompoc, California; Justin Akubueze, money laundering, in Orem, Utah; Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo, larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property, in Orlando, Florida; Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi, assault, in Alden, New York; and Bright Eigbedion, money laundering, in Lompoc, California.
The published information identifies the individuals and the offences associated with their cases. However, the allegations do not establish guilt in every case, and the legal status of each individual may differ.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
