The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has listed 97 Nigerian nationals for deportation over alleged violations of U.S. immigration and criminal laws, in what officials describe as a nationwide enforcement sweep targeting convicted offenders.
The updated list includes 18 additional Nigerians added to an earlier batch of 79 already slated for removal by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Authorities said the action focuses on non-citizens convicted of crimes deemed threats to public safety and financial systems.
DHS, in a statement on its website, said the operation targets individuals linked to offences such as wire fraud, mail fraud, identity theft and other financial crimes. It described those affected as part of the “worst-of-the-worst criminal immigrants” identified in ongoing enforcement actions across multiple states.
One of the newly listed names is Obinwanne Okeke, widely known as Invictus Obi. Okeke is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence in the United States after pleading guilty to internet fraud that reportedly led to losses of about $11 million. Prior to his arrest after an FBI investigation, he was known for business interests across oil and gas, agriculture, telecommunications, alternative energy and real estate under the Invictus Group, which operated in several African countries.
Other Nigerians added in the latest DHS update include Oluwaseyanu Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Ojo, Franklin Ibeabuchi, Alex Ogunshakin, Joshua Ineh, Stephen Oseghale, Eghosa Obaretin, Adesina Lasisi, Ibrahim Ijaoba, Azeez Yinusa, Charles Akabuogu, Kelechi Umeh, Lotenna Umeadi, Donald Ehie and Chukwudi Kalu.
DHS said deportation proceedings would be initiated for those who have exhausted their legal appeals or whose immigration status has been withdrawn, noting that removals would follow established legal and diplomatic protocols.
Officials added that the action is part of a broader immigration enforcement agenda aimed at prioritising the removal of non-citizens with criminal convictions, and warned that more names could be added as investigations progress.
The development represents one of the most extensive deportation actions involving Nigerian nationals in recent years. Nigerian authorities had yet to formally respond as of the time of this report.