US Charges 3 Nigerian Nationals Over Illegal Voting Allegations

The United States Department of Justice has charged 16 individuals, including three Nigerian nationals, over alleged illegal voting, unlawful voter registration, and related election fraud offenses across the country.

The announcement was made in an official press release issued on Friday, September 18, 2026.

According to the Department of Justice, the charges include non-citizens voting unlawfully in federal elections, making false claims of citizenship to register or vote, and related offenses such as wire fraud, naturalization fraud, passport fraud, and illegal firearm purchases uncovered during investigations.

Among those charged is Helen Sayen Adams, 67, a lawful permanent resident since May 2024, who faces charges of voting by an alien in a federal election and making false statements of citizenship to register to vote.

Another Nigerian national, Joshua Nmelichukwu Akpom, 27, who has held lawful permanent resident status since 2016, was charged with making false statements in connection with naturalization.

Additionally, Gladys Adaeze Okafor, 56, also a lawful permanent resident, was arrested and charged for allegedly voting illegally in the 2022 elections and participating in the 2024 general election.