A 56-year-old Nigerian woman, Gladys Adaeze Okafor, living in Massachusetts has been arrested over allegations that she illegally voted in two US elections.
Okafor faces a federal charge of unlawfully voting as an alien. Prosecutors allege she falsely declared herself a US citizen when registering to vote.
According to the US Department of Justice, Okafor allegedly voted in the 2022 midterm elections and the 2024 presidential primary. She was arrested on September 16 and was scheduled to appear before a federal court in Boston. 
Okafor allegedly claimed US citizenship
According to court documents, Okafor was born in Aba, Nigeria, and remains a Nigerian citizen.
She obtained lawful permanent resident status in December 2022. However, prosecutors say she is not a US citizen and has not applied for citizenship.
In July 2022, Okafor allegedly submitted a voter registration form in Lynn. She reportedly signed a certification stating that she was a US citizen. The certification also stated that the declaration was made under penalty of perjury. Lynn officials subsequently registered her to vote.
Gladys Okafor allegedly voted in 2022 election
Federal prosecutors allege Okafor voted in the November 8, 2022, midterm elections. The charging document states that the election included federal and state races. It also listed candidates seeking seats in the US House of Representatives.
Prosecutors further allege that Okafor submitted another voter registration form in October 2023.
Again, she allegedly selected the box confirming that she was a US citizen. She also signed the accompanying certification.
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Second vote allegedly cast by Gladys Okafor in 2024
According to the charging documents, Okafor later voted in the presidential primary held on March 5, 2024. The allegations form the basis of the federal charge against her. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Julissa Walsh.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and one year of supervised release. It also carries a potential fine of up to $100,000.
Okafor could also face deportation after completing any sentence imposed.
Authorities stress allegations remain unproven
US Attorney Leah B. Foley and Homeland Security Investigations official Jeff Grimming announced the case.
The prosecution comes as the Massachusetts US Attorney’s Office pursues election and benefit fraud cases.
In March 2026, Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team. The DOJ also announced a National Fraud Enforcement Division in April.
However, the allegations against Okafor have not been proven in court. She remains presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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