Nigerian woman arrested in US for falsely claiming citizenship to vote

Gladys Adaeze Okafor, a 56-year-old Nigerian born in Aba, Abia State, was arrested in Lynn, Massachusetts on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, after allegedly registering to vote and casting ballots in the 2022 midterm and 2024 presidential primary elections while only a lawful permanent resident. Prosecutors say she signed voter registration forms declaring herself a U.S. citizen in July 2022 and October 2023, despite never naturalizing. She faces a charge of unlawfully voting as an alien, punishable by up to one year in prison, one year of supervised release, a $100,000 fine, and possible deportation after any sentence.

This case matters to Nigerians living abroad because it highlights the serious legal risk of mistakenly or deliberately claiming U.S. citizenship to vote—a privilege reserved for citizens. Lawful permanent residents, including many Nigerians with green cards, are prohibited from participating in federal elections, and false claims can trigger criminal prosecution, loss of residency, and removal from the United States.

If you are a Nigerian with a green card or other non‑citizen status, verify your eligibility before engaging in any voting process. Only U.S. citizens may vote in federal elections; when in doubt, consult an immigration attorney or check official USCIS guidance. Knowing the rules protects your status and avoids severe penalties.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/17/nigerian-woman-arrested-in-us-over-alleged-false-citizenship-claim/