The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the names and photographs of 24 Nigerian nationals on its “Worst of the Worst” immigration enforcement list, highlighting cases involving offences ranging from fraud and money laundering to drug-related crimes, identity theft and assault.
The publication comes as the administration of President Donald Trump continues its immigration enforcement campaign, with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carrying out arrests across the country. DHS said the initiative focuses on non-US citizens arrested by immigration authorities in connection with criminal offences.
According to DHS, the individuals were arrested in different locations across the United States. The offences associated with their cases include mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, impersonation, drug possession, weapons violations, forgery and other alleged crimes.
The list includes Nigerians associated with cases in several states, including Texas, Virginia, New Jersey, Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland, Washington, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, Utah and New York.
Full List of 24 Nigerians and Offences Listed by DHS
According to the US Department of Homeland Security’s “Worst of the Worst” list, the 24 Nigerians and the offences associated with their cases are:
- Emmanuel Omowaiye — Mail fraud; Richmond, Texas.
- Laurene Onwuka — Fraud and impersonation; Chantilly, Virginia.
- Olusegun Shonekan — Wire fraud; Newark, New Jersey.
- Olusegun Olaseni — Amphetamine sale; Greencastle, Indiana.
- Peter Ude — Wire fraud; Atlanta, Georgia.
- Newton Jemide — Wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud; Fort Dix, New Jersey.
- Shedrack Umukoro — Money laundering; Yazoo City, Mississippi.
- Olasoji Akinbode — Fraud and impersonation; Kearny, New Jersey.
- Oluwatosin Afolabi — Fraud; Conroe, Texas.
- Alameen Adetunji Tokosi — Drug possession; Chicago, Illinois.
- Joshua Ipoade — Wire fraud; Atlanta, Georgia.
- Michael Orji — Weapons violation, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false citizenship and money laundering; Oxford, Wisconsin.
- Ahmadu Apooyin — Drug-related offence; Baltimore, Maryland.
- Teslim Kiriji — Money laundering; Yazoo City, Mississippi.
- Onomen Uduebor — Identity theft; Seattle, Washington.
- Charles Ochi — Money laundering; White Deer, Pennsylvania.
- Daniel Eta — Wire fraud; White Deer, Pennsylvania.
- Ifeanyi Ibennah — Cruelty towards a child; Tampa, Florida.
- Kazeem Runsewe — Wire fraud; Thomson, Illinois.
- Fatiu Lawal — Wire fraud; Lompoc, California.
- Justin Akubueze — Money laundering; Orem, Utah.
- Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo — Larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property; Orlando, Florida.
- Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi — Assault; Alden, New York.
- Bright Eigbedion — Money laundering; Lompoc, California.
DHS said the publication forms part of the US government’s broader immigration enforcement efforts. The list identifies individuals arrested by immigration authorities in connection with the offences described.
The announcement has drawn attention to the potential immigration consequences for foreign nationals involved in criminal proceedings in the United States. However, the legal circumstances of each case may differ, and inclusion on the list should not automatically be interpreted as confirmation of a criminal conviction or completed deportation.