Nigerian Man Convicted of Lying to Buy Firearm in America

A 25-year-old Nigerian national, Laurel Echezonam, has pleaded guilty to making false statements while attempting to purchase a firearm in the United States. Echezonam, who entered the country unlawfully through the southern border in 2022, was found to be without legal status in the US.

According to the US Department of Justice, Echezonam travelled to different firearms dealers in Mississippi on June 7 and 8, 2024, attempting to buy a weapon. He falsely stated his immigration status on the required firearms purchase form to deceive the dealers into selling him the firearms.

Echezonam was denied the firearms and apprehended by immigration officials. He pleaded guilty on December 15 in a federal court in Mississippi and faces up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is investigating, with Assistant US Attorneys Lynn Murray and C. Brett Grantham prosecuting. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide DOJ initiative focused on immigration enforcement, organised crime, and violent crime.