US to Deport 79 Nigerians Over Criminal Convictions, Releases Full List

By Isaiah Isaac 

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport at least 79 Nigerians identified among what it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal aliens residing in the country.

Details published on the DHS website on Tuesday indicate that the affected Nigerians were convicted of offences ranging from fraud and drug trafficking to assault, manslaughter, robbery, and other serious crimes. The action forms part of a broader nationwide crackdown on immigrants with criminal records.

In a statement, DHS said it was highlighting “the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).” 

The agency added that under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem, DHS and ICE officials were implementing President Donald Trump’s directive on mass deportations, beginning with individuals convicted of serious crimes.

The list released by DHS includes names such as 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, among others.

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

Also listed are Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi and Omotayo Akinto.

Further names include Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru and Henry Idiagbonya.

Others on the list are Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba and Akeem Adeleke.

Additional names include Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo and Dennis Ofuoma.

Reports say the announcement has triggered anxiety within Nigerian communities in the United States, with some individuals allegedly going into hiding while others are said to be returning to Nigeria voluntarily amid the intensified enforcement.

ICE operations reportedly include house-to-house raids and targeted arrests of immigrants with criminal convictions. The crackdown has drawn criticism and protests in some areas, particularly following encounters between federal immigration officers and local communities.

U.S. authorities have maintained that the enforcement drive will continue, urging compliance with immigration laws and stressing that individuals convicted of serious crimes will be prioritised for removal, regardless of nationality.