The United States Department of Justice has launched legal proceedings to revoke the American citizenship of 25 naturalised citizens, including three Nigerians, over allegations that they obtained citizenship through fraud, identity concealment, or other forms of misrepresentation.
The denaturalisation cases, filed in federal district courts between July 20 and August 3, 2026, involve individuals accused of offences ranging from immigration fraud to violent crimes, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and child sexual offences.
The three Nigerians named in the civil actions are Jonathan Omorogieva Obasohan, 56; Yetunde Folake Okaniyi, 56; and Vivian Chike Obichere, 72.
According to the Justice Department, the Immigration and Nationality Act permits the revocation of U.S. citizenship if it was obtained illegally or through the concealment of material facts or deliberate misrepresentation during the naturalisation process.
The department said it has filed 123 civil denaturalisation complaints since January 20, 2025, describing it as the highest number in U.S. history.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said U.S. citizenship is a privilege that must be earned lawfully.
“The complaints announced today allege that these individuals secured naturalisation through fraud, concealment, or other unlawful conduct,” Blanche said. “Today’s filings represent the largest coordinated denaturalisation effort in Department history, but they are only the beginning.”
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate also described the initiative as the largest denaturalisation surge in recorded history, adding that the department would continue pursuing individuals accused of abusing the naturalisation process.
Allegations against the Nigerian nationals
According to court filings, Jonathan Omorogieva Obasohan is accused of obtaining U.S. citizenship under a false identity after previously being ordered deported under the name Tinosa Joe Aigbedion. Prosecutors allege he failed to disclose his prior identity and outstanding deportation order during his naturalisation process.
Yetunde Folake Okaniyi, also known as Folake Rosemary Thomas, is accused of evading a deportation order by assuming a different identity and entering into what prosecutors describe as a sham marriage with a U.S. citizen while allegedly still married to another person. Authorities said she later obtained permanent residency and citizenship under the false identity. She was convicted of passport fraud in 2014 after fingerprint records revealed her true identity.
Meanwhile, Vivian Chike Obichere is accused of making false declarations during her naturalisation process. The Justice Department said she later pleaded guilty to making false statements in a passport application after admitting she had previously used another person’s identity and passport. Prosecutors allege she concealed that information while applying for U.S. citizenship.
The denaturalisation cases remain civil proceedings, and the courts will determine whether the allegations meet the legal standard required to revoke the individuals’ U.S. citizenship.
