The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has published the names and photographs of 10 more Nigerians on its “worst of the worst” register of suspected criminal offenders. Africans& Diaspora
The names and photographs were published on the website of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as the Trump administration continues its immigration enforcement and deportation campaign.
DHS said the initiative was part of efforts to carry out President Donald Trump’s pledge to pursue mass deportations, beginning with individuals it considers serious criminal offenders. “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the department said.
It added: “Under DHS 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 register is updated periodically and contains the names of foreign nationals from several countries who are facing various criminal allegations.
The 10 Nigerians recently added to the register include Temitope Bashiru, who is accused of wire fraud, identity theft and fraud; Ojehoro Lewis, who faces an allegation of cruelty towards a child; and Osemudiamen Kingsley Oziegbe, who is listed over an alleged wire fraud offence. Daniel Oworen was listed over dangerous drugs, while Raymond H Ekevwo is accused of wire fraud.
Franklin Dikeocha is listed over an alleged sexual offence against a child involving fondling, while Johnson Ogunlana is listed over allegations of fraud and identity theft. Chukwuemeka Okorocha is facing allegations including wire fraud, dangerous drugs, possession of a weapon and aggravated assault.
Tunde Korede is listed over conspiracy, while Chukwuemeka Chineye is listed over alleged fraud involving a banking-type institution, larceny, identity theft and conspiracy. The department did not provide a specific date for when those on the register would be deported to Nigeria or their respective countries of origin.
The latest additions follow previous updates to the register involving Nigerian nationals. In February, ICE published the names and photographs of 79 Nigerians on the list. The number of Nigerians on the register rose to 124 in July, according to previous reports.
In August, the US government also said it had revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals under the Trump administration over alleged visa violations, criminal conduct or security concerns. The publication of the names on the ICE register does not by itself establish guilt, and the individuals remain subject to the applicable legal and immigration processes.