DHS Publishes Names of 24 Nigerian Nationals Detained in U.S. Immigration Sweeps

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday made public the names and photographs of 24 Nigerian citizens who were taken into custody by immigration authorities amid a broader tightening of enforcement. The arrests were carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel in multiple locations nationwide, according to information the department released. Charges listed for the detainees include wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, drug-related offenses, identity theft, assault, forgery, weapons violations and child cruelty. In announcing the arrests, DHS said it was drawing attention to non-U.S. citizens with criminal histories who had been apprehended by immigration enforcement officers. The department said it was showcasing the most serious criminal aliens arrested by ICE. It added that under DHS leadership, department and ICE personnel are working to fulfill President Trump's promise of mass deportations, starting with the worst offenders, including the individuals shown. The published list gives each Nigerian national's name, the offense connected to their case and the place of arrest: 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 offense; 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. DHS said the disclosure formed part of the U.S. government's wider immigration enforcement campaign, with ICE making arrests across the country.