The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested a Nigerian national, Ayodeji Olamide Ajayi, following his conviction for multiple violent crimes.
ICE announced the arrest in a statement on Monday, June 22, 2026, confirming that Ajayi faces immediate deportation back to Nigeria.
According to immigration records, Ajayi entered the United States on a student visa in 2007. He eventually dropped out of school but failed to leave the country, remaining in the U.S. illegally.
“Ayodeji Olamide Ajayi, of Nigeria, entered the United States in 2007 on a student visa and eventually left school, but failed to leave the country,” ICE stated.
The agency added that Ajayi instead stayed in the country and built a lengthy criminal record that includes convictions for domestic violence, trespassing, intimidation, and obstruction.
“His criminal history also includes these egregious charges: kidnapping, rape and family neglect,” the statement read.
In 2024, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee launched a manhunt for Ajayi after he was wanted on multiple felony warrants, including four counts of aggravated rape and aggravated burglary.
He was eventually cornered by detectives in Bradley County. During a lengthy standoff, Ajayi threatened to force law enforcement officers to kill him, claiming he was armed with a gun. He eventually surrendered peacefully and was found to be holding a toy BB pistol.
Commenting on his impending removal, ICE stated, “Thanks to the commitment to getting criminal illegal aliens out of this country, Ajayi will be leaving the United States shortly.”
