Attorney Alfonso Cabañas of Cabañas Law represented former U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Senior Immigration Services Officer Lukman Owolabi Ganiyu following his arrest in a federal criminal case that has attracted national attention.

Ganiyu was arrested on September 2, 2026, after federal prosecutors accused him of improperly processing and approving certain immigration applications during his time with USCIS.

Despite the government's request that Ganiyu remain in custody pending trial, Alfonso Cabañas successfully argued for his release under court-imposed conditions. A federal magistrate judge ultimately ordered Ganiyu released.

The result allowed Ganiyu to return to the community while the federal case remains pending.

Ganiyu denies any criminal conduct, and Cabañas disputed the government's characterization of the financial transactions and immigration applications described in the government's filings.

Alfonso Cabañas' Statement Featured in Newsweek

The case received national media attention, with Newsweek reporting on Ganiyu's arrest, the government's allegations, and the court's decision regarding his release.

The Newsweek report also features comments from Alfonso Cabañas, providing insight into the defense's position.

Cabañas told Newsweek that his client denies any criminal conduct and disputes the government's characterization of the financial transactions and immigration applications cited in the complaint.

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Newsweek's report includes comments from Alfonso Cabañas regarding his client's position in the case.

The Government's Allegations

According to federal prosecutors, Ganiyu allegedly used his position at USCIS between 2019 and 2026 to improperly process immigration applications in exchange for money.

The government's allegations involve applications related to permanent residency, citizenship, family sponsorship, and other immigration benefits.

Investigators also allege that Ganiyu bypassed certain USCIS procedures, including required reviews, interviews, and supervisory oversight.

The government's case also includes allegations concerning financial transactions that investigators say were connected to immigration applicants and applications handled by Ganiyu.

These claims are allegations contained in federal filings and have not been proven in court.

Cabañas Successfully Argues for Release Pending Trial

One of the most significant developments following Ganiyu's arrest was the court's decision to release him pending trial.

Federal prosecutors argued that Ganiyu should remain in custody, citing factors including his international ties, international travel history, and property and financial interests outside the United States.

Alfonso Cabañas argued that conditions imposed by the court could reasonably ensure Ganiyu's appearance while allowing him to remain released pending trial.

The court ultimately ordered Ganiyu released subject to conditions.

Those conditions included restrictions intended to ensure his appearance in court. According to Cabañas, Ganiyu will comply with all conditions imposed by the court.

A Nationally Reported Federal Case

The case has attracted attention because of Ganiyu's former position with USCIS and the nature of the allegations brought by federal prosecutors.

The investigation involved multiple federal agencies, including USCIS's Office of Investigations, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, and the FBI's Dallas Field Office.

With the case receiving national coverage, Cabañas' comments to Newsweek provided the defense's perspective and emphasized Ganiyu's denial of criminal wrongdoing.

The Presumption of Innocence

Criminal charges are allegations—not convictions.

Ganiyu is presumed innocent unless and until the government proves the charges against him beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

That distinction is particularly important in cases receiving significant media attention. Allegations contained in complaints, affidavits, and other government filings must still be proven through the judicial process.

About Alfonso Cabañas and Cabañas Law

Alfonso Cabañas is an attorney representing clients facing serious criminal allegations in state and federal courts.

Through Cabañas Law, Cabañas provides legal representation to individuals facing complex criminal matters and federal investigations.

In the Ganiyu matter, Cabañas represented a former federal immigration officer following his arrest and successfully secured his release pending trial despite the government's request for continued detention.

The result demonstrates the importance of strong legal advocacy during the critical early stages of a federal criminal case.

Cabañas Law is committed to protecting the rights of individuals facing serious criminal allegations and providing experienced legal representation when it matters most.

This article discusses allegations contained in federal filings and publicly reported information. The allegations have not been proven in court. Mr. Ganiyu is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.