GREENVILLE, N.C. – A federal grand jury has indicted Omoyoma Christopher Okoro, 51, a U.S. citizen originally from Nigeria, on charges of naturalization fraud following an investigation involving U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The indictment alleges that Okoro concealed his criminal history when applying for citizenship.
Court documents reveal that Okoro falsely answered “no” on his naturalization application when asked if he had ever committed a crime for which he was not arrested. Despite this alleged deception, he took the Oath of Allegiance and became a naturalized citizen on Dec. 13, 2018.
However, on Sept. 19, 2024, a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania convicted Okoro of conspiracy to commit mail, wire, and bank fraud, along with multiple additional fraud charges. Evidence showed he had engaged in these crimes between 2008 and 2011—years before his naturalization. He was sentenced to 100 months in prison and ordered to pay over $22 million in restitution.
The new indictment charges Okoro with three counts of naturalization fraud. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison and the automatic revocation of his U.S. citizenship.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the charges. The case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick leading the prosecution.
USCIS emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the immigration system. Suspected fraud can be reported through the agency’s online tip form.
Related topics:
- What Is The Board Of Immigration Appeals
- What Is Immigration Status
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