Nigerian Correctional Officer Obinna Onyekwere Charged With Official Oppression in Texas
A Nigerian correctional officer working with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in the United States, Jonmorgan Obinna Onyekwere, has been arrested and charged with official oppression.
Onyekwere, who works at the department’s Memorial Unit, was reportedly arrested by the TDCJ Office of Inspector General and taken to the Brazoria County jail.
Official oppression involves a public official unlawfully using their authority to mistreat someone or violate their rights. Under Texas law, the offence carries a penalty of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $4,000, or both upon conviction.
The specific allegations against Onyekwere have not been disclosed. Available information indicates that he was being held on a $5,000 bond.
Court records also show that he was involved in a criminal case in Sampson County, North Carolina, in 2023, although the records cited did not specify the charge or its outcome.
Employment records identify Onyekwere as a senior correctional officer who joined the Texas correctional service in May 2021. It remains unclear whether his arrest will affect his employment with the agency.
His case comes amid other reports of Texas correctional officers of Nigerian descent facing criminal allegations in recent months.
In September, reports emerged that Michael Oluwapelumi Ademoye had been arrested over an alleged attempt to bring drugs into a Texas prison. During the same month, Eberechukwu Emmanuel was reportedly apprehended over allegations that he assaulted his wife during a disagreement about clothing and hats.
Another officer, Oluwayomi Obed Edom, was also reported to have been arrested over the alleged possession of synthetic cannabinoids and methamphetamine within a correctional facility.
Earlier incidents involving Nigerian officers included Ayodele Abiodun Afosi, who faced a charge of leaving an accident scene after causing property damage in May, and Bashir Oladimeji Lawal, who was arrested in July over alleged public intoxication.
Onyekwere's case adds to the series of reported criminal proceedings involving personnel of the Texas correctional agency. However, the allegations against him remain unproven, and the available information does not establish whether he has entered a plea or when his case will be heard.
Comments