The United States government has confirmed plans to deport 97 Nigerians over alleged immigration offences, following a nationwide crackdown led by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its enforcement arm, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Initially, 79 Nigerians had been listed for deportation, but DHS announced an additional 18 names, bringing the total to 97. The arrests were part of what officials described as a “worst-of-the-worst” criminal immigrants programme, targeting individuals convicted of serious offences.
According to DHS, the alleged crimes include wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft — offences that U.S. authorities argue pose significant financial and security risks. The statement emphasized that deportations would be carried out immediately, in line with immigration law.
Among those newly listed are Obinwanne Okeke, once celebrated as a rising entrepreneur before his conviction for fraud, alongside Oluwaseyanu Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Ojo, Franklin Ibeabuchi, Alex Ogunshakin, Joshua Ineh, Stephen Oseghale, Eghosa Obaretin, Adesina Lasisi, Ibrahim Ijaoba, Azeez Yinusa, Charles Akabuogu, Kelechi Umeh, Lotenna Umeadi, Donald Ehie, and Chukwudi Kalu.