FORMER USCIS OFFICERS, NIGERIA DESCENTS, CHARGED IN ALLEGED CORRUPTION SCHEME

Federal authorities have charged Lukman Owolabi Ganiyu, a former Senior Immigration Services Officer with USCIS, and Adeniyi Akeem Somoye in an alleged multi-year corruption scheme involving the unlawful approval and expedited processing of immigration applications.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the two men were arrested on September 2, 2026, following a federal criminal complaint alleging conspiracy to receive illegal gratuities involving a public official.

Key Allegations:
Former USCIS Officer: Lukman Owolabi Ganiyu, formerly a Senior Immigration Services Officer with USCIS.

Alleged Associate: Adeniyi Akeem Somoye.

• Prosecutors allege that between December 2019 and March 2026, Ganiyu used his official USCIS position to approve immigration applications in exchange for money.

• The allegedly affected cases included I-130 family petitions, I-485 Green Card applications, I-751 petitions to remove conditions, and N-400 naturalization applications.

• Investigators allege Ganiyu bypassed required interviews, supervisory reviews, jurisdictional limitations, background checks and standard USCIS procedures to expedite approvals, including for applicants authorities allege were not eligible under federal law.

• Authorities allege Ganiyu and Somoye collected hundreds of thousands of dollars from applicants, with several payments corresponding directly with immigration approvals issued by Ganiyu.

• Investigators also identified thousands of WhatsApp messages and hundreds of calls involving Ganiyu, Somoye and immigration applicants whose cases they allegedly handled.

• Each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.

What This Means for Immigration Applicants:

This case is a serious reminder to be extremely cautious of anyone claiming they have an “inside connection” at USCIS, can guarantee an immigration approval, or can bypass normal processing in exchange for money.

Immigration applicants should use legitimate procedures and authorized channels when pursuing immigration benefits. Promises of guaranteed approvals through unofficial payments can expose applicants to potentially serious immigration and legal consequences.

The investigation involved the USCIS Office of Investigations, DHS Office of Inspector General and FBI Dallas Field Office.

Please note: A criminal complaint contains allegations, not findings of guilt. Lukman Owolabi Ganiyu and Adeniyi Akeem Somoye are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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For informational purposes only. This communication does not constitute legal advice.