The United States Department of Justice has initiated denaturalization proceedings against a Nigerian man, George Oyakhire, as part of a broader action targeting 12 individuals accused of serious crimes. The announcement was made in a press release on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Details of the Accusations
According to the DOJ, Oyakhire is accused of obtaining U.S. citizenship under a false identity. Born in Nigeria, he first entered the United States on October 18, 1986, using a visa issued in his true name, George Ofuan Oyakhire. Approximately two years later, on September 2, 1988, he obtained temporary resident status using a false name, “Oliver Bennett Oyakhire,” and a false date of birth.
On December 1, 1990, Oyakhire adjusted his status to lawful permanent resident using the false identity. He then filed an application for naturalization under the same false name on September 12, 1995, which was approved on March 22, 1996. He became a naturalized citizen on April 22, 1996, under the alias Oliver Bennett Oyakhire.
Legal Basis for Denaturalization
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a naturalized U.S. citizen’s citizenship may be revoked if it was illegally procured or obtained through concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation. The DOJ emphasized that individuals involved in fraud, heinous crimes such as sexual abuse, or support for terrorism should never have been naturalized.
Statements from Officials
“Individuals implicated in committing fraud, heinous crimes such as sexual abuse, or expressing support for terrorism should never have been naturalized as United States citizens,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Trump administration is taking action to correct these egregious violations of our immigration system. Those who intentionally concealed their criminal histories or misrepresented themselves during the naturalization process will face the fullest extent of the law.”
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division added, “This Department of Justice continues to file denaturalization actions at record speeds to restore integrity in our naturalization process. The disturbing criminal histories confirm these individuals should have never received the privilege of U.S. citizenship. We remain committed to leveraging every tool available under the law to pursue those who obtain their U.S. citizenship unlawfully.”
Prosecution and Collaboration
The cases were prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Office of Immigration Litigation, Affirmative Litigation Unit, with assistance from USCIS and multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices, including those for the District of Arizona, Southern District of Florida, Eastern District of California, District of Minnesota, Middle District of Florida, Western District of Kentucky, District of Columbia, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Southern District of Iowa, and Northern District of Illinois.
