A former Senior Immigration Services Officer with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Lukman Owolabi Ganiyu, and Adeniyi Akeem Somoye, have been arrested by FBI agents for an alleged scheme to manipulate and fast-track immigration applications in exchange for illegal payments.
According to U.S. prosecutors, the two men were arrested on September 2 after a criminal complaint was filed against them for the alleged scheme operated from December 2019 to March 2026, with Ganiyu allegedly using his official position to approve or expedite applications for permanent residency, citizenship and other immigration benefits in exchange for money.
Investigators said he bypassed required interviews, background checks, supervisory reviews and other standard USCIS procedures as Prosecutors further allege that Ganiyu and Somoye collected hundreds of thousands of dollars from applicants, with some payments allegedly corresponding directly with immigration approvals. Investigators also uncovered extensive WhatsApp communications between the two men and several applicants whose cases they handled.
The pair have been charged with conspiracy to receive illegal gratuities by a public official. If convicted, each could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Authorities stressed that the criminal complaint contains allegations and that both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
