Nigerians Arrested in $960,000 US Immigration Bribery Scheme
Two Nigerians have been arrested in the United States over an alleged scheme to accept nearly $960,000 in bribes to manipulate and fast-track green card and U.S. citizenship applications.
The suspects are Lukman Owolabi Ganiyu, a former senior officer with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and Adeniyi Akeem Somoye, who prosecutors describe as his alleged financial accomplice. They were arrested in Texas on September 2.
According to U.S. prosecutors, Ganiyu used his position at USCIS to take control of immigration applications, bypassing normal procedures and, in some cases, avoiding criminal background checks in exchange for payments. Most of the applications involved applicants from African countries.
Investigators say Ganiyu received about $959,000 through digital transfers and cash deposits between December 2019 and March 2026. Somoye allegedly acted as a financial intermediary, handling transactions linked to applicants and helping move the proceeds.
Prosecutors said WhatsApp messages and financial records helped investigators uncover the alleged operation. Ganiyu reportedly resigned from USCIS in March 2026, citing personal reasons, months before his arrest.
The two men have been charged with conspiracy to receive illegal gratuities by a public official. If convicted, each could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould described the alleged scheme as an abuse of public trust, saying immigration benefits cannot lawfully be treated as commodities for sale.
The case is likely to draw particular attention among immigrant communities, as it highlights the risks of using unofficial agents or paying individuals who claim they can guarantee or accelerate U.S. immigration approvals.
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