Former USCIS Officer, Associate Charged Over Alleged Cash-for-Immigration Approvals Scheme
US federal authorities have charged former USCIS Senior Immigration Services Officer Lukman Owolabi Ganiyu and Adeniyi Akeem Somoye over an alleged scheme to collect money in exchange for speeding up and approving immigration applications. Investigators allege that, between December 2019 and March 2026, Ganiyu bypassed interviews, background checks, supervisory reviews and other required procedures to approve applications for permanent residence, removal of residency conditions and naturalisation. The complaint alleges that some applicants were not eligible under US law. Authorities say the pair received hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments that corresponded with approvals issued by Ganiyu. Investigators also cited extensive WhatsApp messages and calls involving the defendants and applicants. Both men were arrested on 2 September and face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 if convicted. The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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