Nigerian nationals face US charges over alleged illegal voting in two elections

A 56-year-old Nigerian citizen living in Lynn, Massachusetts, Gladys Adaeze Okafor, has been arrested by United States authorities on charges that she voted illegally in the American elections even though she is not a US citizen.

Okafor is accused of voting in the 2022 midterm elections and then running in the 2024 presidential primaries.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced the arrests and charges in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The office said, “BOSTON – A Nigerian citizen living in Lynn, Mass. has been arrested and charged with voting illegally in the 2022 midterm elections. The defendant is also suspected of voting in the 2024 Presidential primaries.”

According to authorities, Okafor was charged with voting unlawfully as an alien. He was arrested Wednesday morning and is expected to appear before a federal court in Boston the same day.

The statement read, “Gladys Adaeze Okafor, 56, was charged with unlawful voting as an alien. The defendant was arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston today.”

Court documents identify Okafor as a Nigerian citizen born in Aba, Nigeria. The document states that he obtained lawful permanent resident status in December 2022 but has not yet become a US citizen or applied for American citizenship.

Prosecutors alleged that his first voting-related violations occurred before he obtained permanent resident status.

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According to the US Attorney’s Office, “In July 2022, Okafor allegedly submitted a voter registration card, signing his name beneath a certification stating ‘I am a citizen of the United States… Signed under penalty of perjury.’ The city of Lynn then registered him to vote, and Okafor allegedly voted in the midterm elections that fall.”

Authorities further allege Okafor submitted another voter registration application in October 2023, and once again identified himself as a US citizen.

The statement reads, “Okafor allegedly submitted a second voter registration form in October 2023, checking the ‘US Citizen’ box and signing under the US citizen certification. Okafor allegedly cast his vote in the 2024 presidential primary.”

Federal charges carry a maximum prison sentence of one year, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said, “The charge of unlawfully voting as an alien carries a sentence of up to one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $100,000. The defendant may be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed.”

The office added that the final sentence, if Okafor is convicted, will be determined by a federal district judge in accordance with the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable federal sentencing laws.

This case was announced by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julissa Walsh of the Major Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.

This prosecution is also part of an initiative established by the District of Massachusetts to address alleged benefits and voter fraud.

The office said, “On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefits & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative created in response to widespread fraud discovered throughout Massachusetts.”

The statement also referred to a separate initiative announced by the US Department of Justice in April 2026.

It said, “On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people.”

Despite the allegations, federal prosecutors emphasized that the allegations against Okafor have not been proven in court.

The US Attorney’s Office stated, “The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”