By Ojochenemi Onje
The United States Department of Homeland Security has expanded its deportation list of Nigerians convicted of serious crimes, with an additional 18 names added to its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register, bringing the total number of Nigerians scheduled for removal to 97.
The latest development comes barely a week after 79 Nigerians convicted of various offences in the United States had been earmarked for deportation as part of an intensified enforcement drive by U.S. immigration authorities.
It was learnt that the Department of Homeland Security, on Monday added 18 more Nigerians to the list.
The updated records indicate that the newly listed individuals were convicted largely for offences related to wire fraud, mail fraud and identity theft.
An accompanying statement on the DHS platform said the arrests and planned removals were part of a nationwide crackdown on criminal immigrants by U.S. authorities.
The department described the affected individuals as priority targets under its enforcement strategy.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Under Secretary Noem’s 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 statement read.
Among the Nigerians newly added to the deportation list are Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Obinwanne Okeke, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Olufunsho Ojo and Franklin Ibeabuchi. Others include 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.
Earlier records published by the DHS had listed 79 Nigerians already marked 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 on the earlier list are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay and Joseph Ogbara. (Business Day)
