DHS calls them “the worst of the worst”, but its list does not say whether they have been charged or convicted, as the US pursues mass deportations
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 criminal offences, including wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering.
DHS published the details on Thursday. The individuals were arrested in different parts of the US as the country continues its deportation operations.
The alleged offences include wire and mail fraud, money laundering, drug-related crimes, identity theft, assault, forgery, weapons violations and cruelty towards a child.
DHS said it was “highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens” arrested by ICE. It said its officers were “carrying out mass deportations” starting with what it called the worst of the worst, including the people on the list.
The published list gives each person’s name, alleged offence and place of arrest.
The Nigerians named by DHS and what they are accused of
Wire fraud, mail fraud and other fraud
- Emmanuel Omowaiye: mail fraud, Richmond, Texas
- Olusegun Shonekan: wire fraud, Newark, New Jersey
- Peter Ude: wire fraud, Atlanta, Georgia
- Newton Jemide: wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud, Fort Dix, New Jersey
- Joshua Ipoade: wire fraud, Atlanta, Georgia
- Kazeem Runsewe: wire fraud, Thomson, Illinois
- Fatiu Lawal: wire fraud, Lompoc, California
- Daniel Eta: wire fraud, White Deer, Pennsylvania
- Oluwatosin Afolabi: fraud, Conroe, Texas
- Laurene Onwuka: fraud and impersonation, Chantilly, Virginia
- Olasoji Akinbode: fraud and impersonation, Kearny, New Jersey
Money laundering
- Shedrack Umukoro: Yazoo City, Mississippi
- Teslim Kiriji: Yazoo City, Mississippi
- Charles Ochi: White Deer, Pennsylvania
- Justin Akubueze: Orem, Utah
- Bright Eigbedion: Lompoc, California
Multiple offences
- Michael Orji: weapons violation, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false citizenship and money laundering, Oxford, Wisconsin
Identity theft
- Onomen Uduebor: Seattle, Washington
Drug-related offences
- Olusegun Olaseni: amphetamine sale, Greencastle, Indiana
- Alameen Adetunji Tokosi: drug possession, Chicago, Illinois
- Ahmadu Apooyin: drug-related offence, Baltimore, Maryland
Other offences
- Ifeanyi Ibennah: cruelty towards a child, Tampa, Florida
- Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo: larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property, Orlando, Florida
- Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi: assault, Alden, New York
Fraud dominates the list of Nigerians
At least 17 of the 24 face fraud or money laundering allegations, counting Orji, who is accused of both along with other offences. Three are listed for drug-related offences, and one each for identity theft, cruelty towards a child, larceny and forgery, and assault.
The arrests are the latest public display of enforcement under the Trump administration. DHS framed the publication as a way to show non-citizens with criminal records arrested by immigration officers.
