The United States has placed ten more Nigerian nationals on a public register of foreign nationals facing deportation, as the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement campaign enters a new phase. The names and photographs were published on the website of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which describes the list as highlighting the “worst of the worst” criminal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to the DHS statement, the initiative is part of President Donald Trump’s directive to prioritize the removal of foreign nationals accused of serious offenses. The department said that under its leadership, ICE officers are “fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations starting with the worst of the worst.”
Who Are the Newly Listed Individuals?
The ten Nigerians added to the register are Temitope Bashiru, Ojehoro Lewis, Osemudiamen Kingsley Oziegbe, Daniel Oworen, Raymond H Ekevwo, Franklin Dikeocha, Johnson Ogunlana, Chukwuemeka Okorocha, Tunde Korede, and Chukwuemeka Chineye. The allegations against them range from financial crimes to offenses involving children and weapons.
- Temitope Bashiru – alleged wire fraud, identity theft, and fraud.
- Ojehoro Lewis – alleged cruelty toward a child.
- Osemudiamen Kingsley Oziegbe – alleged wire fraud.
- Daniel Oworen – alleged dangerous drugs offense.
- Raymond H Ekevwo – alleged wire fraud.
- Franklin Dikeocha – alleged sexual offense against a child.
- Johnson Ogunlana – alleged fraud and identity theft.
- Chukwuemeka Okorocha – alleged wire fraud, dangerous drugs possession, weapons possession, and aggravated assault.
- Tunde Korede – alleged conspiracy offense.
- Chukwuemeka Chineye – alleged banking-type institutional fraud, larceny, identity theft, and conspiracy.
It is important to note that inclusion on the register reflects allegations or immigration enforcement actions, not a judicial finding of guilt. The U.S. authorities have not disclosed when these individuals would be deported to Nigeria.
Broader Context: Rising Numbers and Tougher Enforcement
The latest additions bring the total number of Nigerians on the list to 124, according to the report. This follows a pattern of escalation: 79 Nigerians were listed in February, and the figure rose to 124 by July. The register is regularly updated and includes foreign nationals from multiple countries.
The move is part of a wider tightening of U.S. immigration enforcement. In August, the U.S. announced it had revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals over alleged visa violations, criminal activity, or security concerns. That action, combined with the expanding deportation list, signals a sustained effort by the administration to increase scrutiny of foreign nationals in the country.
What This Means for Nigerians in the U.S.
For Nigerian nationals living in the U.S., the expansion of the list underscores the importance of understanding immigration status and legal obligations. While the list targets individuals accused of serious crimes, the broader visa revocation campaign suggests that even minor infractions could have consequences. Legal experts advise that anyone with a pending immigration case or a criminal record should seek professional counsel to understand their options.
The DHS statement emphasizes that the agency is prioritizing the removal of those it considers the most dangerous. However, the lack of a disclosed timeline for deportations leaves families and communities in uncertainty. The U.S. government has not provided details on when the ten individuals will be removed, nor has it clarified whether they are currently in custody or at large.
Looking Ahead
As the Trump administration continues to implement its mass deportation policy, the list of Nigerians on the register is likely to grow. The DHS has not indicated when the next update will occur, but the pattern of regular additions suggests that more names could be added in the coming months. For now, the ten individuals named face an uncertain future, with the possibility of deportation hanging over them.
The situation also raises questions about diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Nigeria, though neither government has issued an official statement on the matter. For the affected individuals, the immediate priority is legal representation and understanding their rights under U.S. immigration law.
Source: Trump crackdown: US puts 10 more Nigerians on deportation list