US Charges Three Nigerians in Nationwide Election Fraud Sweep

​WASHINGTON — The United States Department of Justice has formally filed criminal charges against 16 foreign nationals across multiple jurisdictions, including three Nigerians, for alleged illegal voter registration, unlawful ballot casting, and collateral federal crimes.

​The sweeping crackdown, detailed in a federal announcement, highlights an aggressive nationwide effort by law enforcement to police electoral integrity. Prosecutors emphasize that while permanent residency green cards grant individuals authorization to live and work indefinitely in the US, full political franchise and voting rights remain strictly limited to American citizens.

​Among the individuals caught in the multi-agency sweep are three Nigerian nationals residing in different parts of the country:

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• ​Helen Sayen Adams (67): A lawful permanent resident since May 2024, Adams was indicted in Texas. She faces specific federal counts of voting as an alien in a federal election and making false claims of citizenship to secure voter registration.

• ​Joshua Nmelichukwu Akpom (27): Having held a green card since 2016, Akpom was charged in connection with naturalization fraud. Although investigators found evidence linking him to ballot casting during the 2018 general cycle, statutory limitations barred direct prosecution for that specific vote, leaving him to face charges over false statements on naturalization documents.

• ​Gladys Adaeze Okafor (56): Residing in Lynn, Massachusetts, Okafor was arrested by federal agents following a probe by the district’s Benefit & Voter Fraud Team. Court documents allege that Okafor, who obtained permanent residency in December 2022, submitted voter registration forms checking the U.S. citizen box under penalty of perjury. She is accused of casting ballots in the 2022 midterm elections and the 2024 presidential primary.

​The nationwide indictments extend beyond immigration and voting infractions. As federal investigators cross-reference state rolls with immigration databases, collateral offenses—including wire fraud, passport forgery, naturalization fraud, and unlawful firearm purchases—have emerged in several of the broader investigations.

​Legal experts note that unintentional errors during routine state procedures, such as automatic voter registration options at motor vehicle bureaus, often trap unwary immigrants. However, federal courts maintain that ignorance of election laws does not excuse non-citizens from compliance.

​If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties, including substantial financial fines, maximum custodial sentences of up to a year or more per count, and mandatory deportation proceedings upon the completion of any prison terms. Federal prosecutors maintain that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.