- ICE is deporting Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba over multiple violent and drug-related convictions.
- The case reflects ICE’s tougher deportation push under Trump’s second term.
- Nigerians reacted with sarcasm online, linking his return to past cases of U.S.-convicted returnees entering Nigerian politics.
A Nigerian long in the crosshairs of United States (U.S.) immigration authorities, Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba, is set to be deported after amassing a lengthy criminal record.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that this record includes convictions for aggravated assault on a police officer with a firearm, aggravated assault, armed robbery, obstruction of justice, drug sales and escape from police custody, according to a statement from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) posted on X late Monday evening.
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, ARMED ROBBERY & DRUG SALES
Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba is a criminal illegal alien from Nigeria and former member of the Bloods — a notoriously violent street gang.
He entered illegally and then racked up an extensive rap sheet that includes convictions for:… pic.twitter.com/tFjN3A0Bjh
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) December 29, 2025
Ijaoba, described by ICE as a criminal illegal alien and a former member of the Bloods, a notoriously violent street gang, is now being prepared for repatriation to Nigeria, where his fate will be determined.
For many Nigerians following the story on social media, the news has stirred both humour and criticism.
On X, Uche Jegbefume quipped that upon return to Nigeria, “he would end up becoming a Governor, Monarch, Senator, or House of Representatives member in future,” and questioned, “Why not sentence him so that he can face real and true justice for the crimes committed in the United States?”
This means that he would be sent back to Nigeria where he would end up becoming a Governor, Monarch, Senator, or House of Representatives member in future.
Why not sentence him so that he can face real and true justice for the crimes committed in the United States? https://t.co/WVPVAkX60U
— Uche Jegbefume (@jaustinuche) December 30, 2025
Another commentator, Adebowale, wrote: “Note the name, and mark the face. In a few years time, this guy can be a major player in the Nigerian political space.”
Note the name, and mark the face. In a few years time, this guy can be a major player in the Nigerian political space. https://t.co/FBIHO5rB0j
— A D E B O W A L E (Photographer) (@Bowiiii) December 30, 2025
Paul Oluwatoba went further, urging, “Just place him on life imprisonment in El Salvador please…. He will come to Nigeria and become either a Governor or a Senator…. Make this a good riddance please.”
Just place him on life in prisonment in El Salvador please…. He will come to Nigeria and become either a Governor or a senator…. Make this a good riddance please https://t.co/jTf26nBVOz
— Paul (@PaulOluwatoba) December 30, 2025
Chibu Ogbodo observed: “Notice how many of the responses and quotes are pointing out that he could become a lawmaker or governor in Nigeria? Our reward system is not even hidden or subtle anymore.”
Notice how many of the responses and quotes are pointing out that he could become a lawmaker or governor in Nigeria?
And there are precedents
Our reward system is not even hidden or subtle anymore. https://t.co/xUFziLNkjD
— Chibueze (@ChibuOgodo) December 30, 2025
The reactions highlight skepticism about the integrity of governance and the path from notoriety to political prominence in Nigeria where many politicians have left criminal past in foreign countries to win political offices at home.
One of such politicians is late Buruji Kashamu, once indicted in the U.S. in a heroin smuggling case that inspired the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black and later elected as a senator in Ogun State.
ICE, the agency behind Ijaoba’s deportation, is a federal law enforcement body under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security tasked with enforcing immigration laws — including apprehending and removing non-citizens who violate U.S. immigration statutes or commit crimes.
In 2025, under President Donald Trump’s second term, ICE has taken an aggressive posture toward illegal immigration, expanding arrests and deportations of individuals with criminal convictions as well as other undocumented immigrants. ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations have seen a record high number of detainees in 2025, exceeding 68,000 individuals, amid a broader crackdown aimed at reducing undocumented presence in the United States.
This enforcement approach has drawn controversy and debate. Supporters argue that robust action against “criminal illegal aliens” is necessary to uphold rule of law, while critics say ICE’s tactics sometimes sweep up non-violent immigrants, separate families, and strain communities.
The Bloods gang, referenced in the ICE statement, is one of the most notorious street gangs in the United States, originating in Los Angeles in the 1970s. Known for its rivalry with the Crips and involvement in violent crime, firearms offences, and drug trafficking, membership in such criminal networks has long been associated with serious legal consequences.
Ijaoba’s deportation occurs within this larger context of intensified immigration enforcement, a backdrop that has caused many Nigerians living in the U.S. — documented as numbering in the thousands on deportation lists — to live with heightened anxiety, some even staying indoors to avoid possible ICE raids.
Meanwhile, the ICE statement on the Nigerian comes less than two weeks after the U.S. imposed partial travel restrictions on Nigerians.
