A Nigerian-American man currently serving a 100-month prison sentence for orchestrating an $80 million fraud scheme is now confronting additional legal troubles that could significantly extend his time behind bars and strip him of his U.S. citizenship.

Omoyoma Okoro, who was convicted in September 2024 by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, now faces a three-count indictment for naturalization fraud that could add up to 30 more years to his sentence.

Details of the Original Conviction

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Okoro's original conviction included multiple counts of conspiracy to commit mail, wire, and bank fraud, along with two additional counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and one count of bank fraud. The court ordered him to pay over $22 million in restitution for crimes committed between 2008 and 2011.

Citizenship Fraud Allegations

The fresh charges stem from Okoro's 2018 application for U.S. citizenship. During the naturalization process, he allegedly answered "No" when asked if he had ever committed a crime or offense, a statement made under penalty of perjury. He was subsequently granted citizenship on December 13, 2018, several years after the fraud but before his arrest and conviction.

"Okoro is alleged to have knowingly and materially made false statements under penalty of perjury on his application for naturalization," the DOJ stated in their release.

Potential Consequences

If convicted on the new charges, Okoro faces up to 30 additional years in prison. Perhaps more significantly, a conviction would trigger the automatic revocation of his U.S. citizenship, effectively nullifying his naturalization.

This case follows closely behind another high-profile conviction involving a Nigerian national. Just last week, Kingsley Utulu received a sentence of five years and three months for his involvement in a large-scale hacking and identity theft operation that defrauded U.S. tax authorities and individuals of more than $2.5 million.

The case highlights the increasing scrutiny on immigration fraud and the serious consequences that can follow when applicants provide false information during the naturalization process.

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