US set to deport 18 Nigerians listed for criminal offences

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport an additional 18 Nigerians listed on its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register, raising the total number of Nigerians scheduled for removal to 97.

The announcement comes barely a week after authorities disclosed that 79 Nigerians convicted of various offences had been marked for deportation.

A review of the DHS website on Monday showed that 18 more names had been added, indicating an expansion of the ongoing enforcement exercise.

According to updated records, wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft are among the most common offences linked to the newly listed individuals. Those named in the latest update include Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Obinwanne Okeke, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Olufunsho Ojo, and Franklin Ibeabuchi.

Others are Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin, Joshua Ineh, Stephen Oseghale, Eghosa Obaretin, Adesina Surajudeen Lasisi, Ibrahim Ijaoba, Azeez Yinusa, Charles Akabuogu, Kelechi Umeh, Lotenna Chisom Umeadi, Donald Ehie, and Chukwudi Kingsley Kalu.

The updated figures reflect the continued hardline approach of the Trump administration toward illegal and criminal immigrants across the United States, with several foreign nationals affected, including Nigerians.

Earlier records had listed 79 Nigerians for deportation. Those previously named include Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, and Oriyomi Aloba.

Others are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, and Joseph Ogbara.