U.S.-based Nigerian correctional officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), Jonmorgan Obinna Onyekwere, has been arrested and charged with official oppression.

It was learnt that Mr Onyekwere, who is assigned to TDCJ’s Memorial Unit, was arrested by the TDCJ’s Office of Inspector General and was taken to the Brazoria County jail. 

It was further gathered that the suspect was subsequently charged with official oppression, which involves a civil servant using a position of authority to deliberately mistreat someone or interfere with their rights while knowing the conduct is unlawful. 

Under Texas laws, the offence also extends to sexual harassment, with the punishment being up to one year prison term, a fine of up to $4,000 or both if convicted. 

However, the specific details of offence committed by Mr Onyekwere remained unclear but he had been in custody on $5,000 bond. 

Court records showed that the defendant also had a criminal case in Sampson County, North Carolina, in 2023, but records did not identify the charge or outcome.

Mr Onyekwere is listed as a senior correctional officer on TDCJ’s employment records after joining the department in May 2021. It is unclear whether he would remain with the department following the indictment. 

He is the latest TDCJ employee of Nigerian descent arrested for allegedly committing a crime, adding to the agency’s growing list of Nigerian employees facing criminal charges.

Last month, the Peoples Gazette reported that a U.S.-based TDCJ officer Michael Oluwapelumi Ademoye, once celebrated for his dedication to duty, was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs into a prison facility in Texas.

Also in September, the Gazette reported that another correctional officer, Eberechukwu Emmanuel, was apprehended over allegations that he beat his wife during an argument over clothes and hats. 

In the same month, Oluwayomi Obed Edom was apprehended over alleged synthetic cannabinoid and methamphetamine possession inside a correctional facility.

In May, Ayodele Abiodun Afosi was charged with fleeing the scene of an accident after causing damage. Additionally, the Gazette reported in July that another correctional officer from the department Bashir Oladimeji Lawal was arrested for alleged public intoxication.