US Names 24 Nigerians Detained on Suspicion of Crimes

The United States has released the identities and photographs of 24 Nigerian nationals detained by immigration authorities on suspicion of criminal offences, in the latest public display of enforcement activity under the Trump administration.

The Department of Homeland Security published the details on Thursday, stating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers had arrested the individuals in cities and towns across the country.

The allegations attached to the cases range from financial crimes such as wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, to drug offences, identity theft, assault, forgery, weapons violations and child cruelty.

DHS framed the publication as a demonstration of its enforcement priorities.

“The US Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the department said.

“Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst – including the illegal aliens you see here.”

The 24 Nigerians named

According to the list released by DHS, those detained are:

1. Emmanuel Omowaiye — Mail fraud; Richmond, Texas.

2. Laurene Onwuka — Fraud and impersonation; Chantilly, Virginia.

3. Olusegun Shonekan — Wire fraud; Newark, New Jersey.

4. Olusegun Olaseni — Amphetamine sale; Greencastle, Indiana.

5. Peter Ude — Wire fraud; Atlanta, Georgia.

6. Newton Jemide — Wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud; Fort Dix, New Jersey.

7. Shedrack Umukoro — Money laundering; Yazoo City, Mississippi.

8. Olasoji Akinbode — Fraud and impersonation; Kearny, New Jersey.

9. Oluwatosin Afolabi — Fraud; Conroe, Texas.

10. Alameen Adetunji Tokosi — Drug possession; Chicago, Illinois.

11. Joshua Ipoade — Wire fraud; Atlanta, Georgia.

12. Michael Orji — Weapons violation, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false citizenship and money laundering; Oxford, Wisconsin.

13. Ahmadu Apooyin — Drug-related offence; Baltimore, Maryland.

14. Teslim Kiriji — Money laundering; Yazoo City, Mississippi.

15. Onomen Uduebor — Identity theft; Seattle, Washington.

16. Charles Ochi — Money laundering; White Deer, Pennsylvania.

17. Daniel Eta — Wire fraud; White Deer, Pennsylvania.

18. Ifeanyi Ibennah — Cruelty towards a child; Tampa, Florida.

19. Kazeem Runsewe — Wire fraud; Thomson, Illinois.

20. Fatiu Lawal — Wire fraud; Lompoc, California.

21. Justin Akubueze — Money laundering; Orem, Utah.

22. Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo — Larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property; Orlando, Florida.

23. Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi — Assault; Alden, New York.

24. Bright Eigbedion — Money laundering; Lompoc, California.