US targets three Nigerians in citizenship revocation effort
The United States Department of Justice is undertaking its largest coordinated action to revoke citizenship from naturalised Americans accused of fraud or other unlawful acts. Among those targeted are three Nigerians: Jonathan Omorogieva Obasohan, Yetunde Folake Olaniyi (also known as Folake Rosemary Thomas), and Vivian Chike Obichere. The cases involve allegations of identity concealment, sham marriages, and other misrepresentations during the naturalisation process. The Justice Department says these actions are part of a broader crackdown on immigration fraud.
What we know
- The US Department of Justice filed civil denaturalisation actions in various district courts between July 20 and August 3, 2026, targeting 25 individuals from 17 countries.
- Jonathan Omorogieva Obasohan is accused of concealing a previous identity and a deportation order during his naturalisation process.
- Yetunde Folake Olaniyi allegedly entered a sham marriage and used a false identity to obtain immigration benefits, later being convicted of passport fraud in 2014.
- Vivian Chike Obichere is accused of using another person’s identity to obtain a passport and concealing this during her naturalisation proceedings.
- The Justice Department has filed 123 civil denaturalisation complaints since January 20, 2025, marking the highest number ever recorded.
