Three Nigerians, 13 others indicted in US over election crimes

The United States Department of Justice has charged three Nigerians and 13 other foreign nationals over alleged election-related offences, including illegal voting and false claims of American citizenship.

According to PUNCH, the Nigerians are Gladys Adaeze Okafor, 56, Helen Sayen Adams, 67, and Joshua Nmelichukwu Akpom, 27.

Prosecutors allege Okafor registered and voted despite not being a US citizen, while Adams allegedly falsely claimed American citizenship before voting in the November 2024 general election.

Akpom was charged with making false statements during his naturalisation process after allegedly denying previous voter registration and voting activity.

The other defendants are nationals of Mexico, India, DR Congo, Antigua and Barbuda, Venezuela, Colombia and Russia.

Authorities stressed that all defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.