US Authorities Target 18 Nigerians for Deportation on Criminal Charges
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled plans to deport an additional 18 Nigerians who are listed on its "worst-of-the-worst" criminal register. This announcement follows closely on the heels of a previous order to deport 79 Nigerians convicted of various offenses, highlighting an intensified crackdown on foreign nationals involved in criminal activities within the US.
Details of the Deportation List
According to a statement published on the DHS website on Monday, February 9, 2026, these 18 individuals have been convicted for serious crimes including:
- Wire fraud
- Child solicitation
- Mail fraud
- Identity theft
The DHS emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader effort to prioritize the removal of "the worst of the worst criminal aliens" arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The statement further noted that under the leadership of Secretary Noem, DHS and ICE are executing mass deportations as part of President Trump's promises, starting with high-profile cases like these.
Notable Individuals on the List
Among the convicted Nigerians named in the latest deportation list is Obinwanne Okeke, widely known as Invictus Obi, a prominent figure previously convicted for fraud. Other individuals include:
- Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi
- Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe
- Benjamin Ifebajo
- Kolawole Aminu
- Oluwadamilola Olufunsho Ojo
- Franklin Ibeabuchi
- 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
- Chukwudi Kingsley Kalu
This list underscores the diverse range of individuals targeted, from well-known fraudsters to others involved in various criminal enterprises.
Context and Implications
The move to deport these Nigerians comes at a time when the US is ramping up its immigration enforcement policies. The recent deportation of 79 Nigerians just a week prior sets a precedent for this latest action, indicating a sustained focus on removing foreign nationals with criminal records. This development may have significant implications for bilateral relations and could impact the perception of Nigerians abroad, particularly in terms of legal and immigration matters.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will affect the individuals involved and the broader Nigerian community in the United States. The DHS's commitment to these deportations signals a hardline stance on criminal activities by non-citizens, which could lead to further actions in the future.
