U.S. to Deport Businessman Invictus Obi, 17 Other Nigerians Among ‘Worst of the Worst’ Criminals

• The United States Department of Homeland Security has added 18 Nigerians to its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal deportation list, raising the total number of Nigerians slated for removal to 97.

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

This development comes barely a week after reports revealed that 79 Nigerians convicted of various offences had already been marked for deportation by US authorities. A fresh update published by the DHS on Monday confirmed that 18 more names had been added, indicating an expansion of the ongoing enforcement operation.

In a statement posted on its website, the DHS said the action forms part of a broader crackdown on criminal immigrants by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The department said the arrests align with President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration policy, which prioritises the removal of undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records.

“The US Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the statement said, adding that the operation is focused on individuals involved in serious crimes.

The newly listed Nigerians include Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Obinwanne Okeke, 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, and Chukwudi Kingsley Kalu.

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According to DHS, the arrests were carried out nationwide, with common offences including wire fraud, mail fraud, identity theft, and other serious crimes.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the enforcement actions are aimed at removing undocumented immigrants with significant criminal convictions from the United States. While no specific deportation timeline has been announced, those listed are expected to undergo removal proceedings in line with US immigration laws.

The latest development has heightened concerns among Nigerians living in the US, particularly over the reputational impact of repeated crime-related deportation announcements.

Nigerians have been among the foreign nationals affected by the US’s tough immigration policies since President Trump assumed office in January 2024, with many returning voluntarily or being deported over immigration violations and criminal convictions.