DOJ Targets Eight Africans for Denaturalisation in 2026

On October 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced its intent to denaturalise eight African nationals, marking the largest single-period denaturalisation effort in its history.

The individuals are accused of obtaining U.S. citizenship through fraud, concealment, or criminal conduct. The complaints were filed across multiple federal districts from late August to early October 2026.

The named individuals include Beatrice Chioma Nwaoha Ashamole (Nigeria, age 54), who allegedly failed to disclose prior aliases and deportations; Semiu Olaiye Ijelu (Nigeria, age 58), accused of seeking immigration benefits under two identities; and Anita Moanjeh Atem (Cameroon, age 48), who concealed a conviction for sexual abuse of a minor. Other individuals include Francis Darko Asamoah (Ghana, age 56), Dexter Anson (Ghana, age 72), Ifeolu Samuel Akingbemisilu (Sierra Leone, age 58), Walid Abdelnabbi Hassan Osman (Egypt, age 62), and Nadia Hassan Mohamed Ali (Egypt, age 58).

The DOJ emphasized that all claims are allegations and no liability has been determined.