Prosecutors allege the pair ran a bribery operation from December 2019 through March 2026, accepting nearly $960,000 to sidestep standard immigration safeguards such as background checks, interviews and routine processing protocols.

Payments were funneled through digital platforms—including Zelle and Cash App—and through cash deposits. Court documents show Ganiyu received about $671,438 via the apps and roughly $287,830 in cash, while Somoye acted as the intermediary, moving additional funds.

Investigators say Ganiyu altered the USCIS case‑management system and rerouted applications from field offices in Minneapolis, Charlotte and Houston, allowing him to approve them directly and accelerate citizenship grants.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould called the scheme “a blatant abuse of public trust” and warned that officials who price‑tag lawful status will face swift intervention.

If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.