FARGO, N.D. — A U.S. federal court has sentenced a Regina man to six months in prison for his part in a human smuggling operation.
Victory Omoruyi pleaded guilty in May to transport of illegal aliens. Authorities say he helped move nine Nigerian citizens and asylum seekers to the Saskatchewan border from North Dakota on April 14.

Omoruyi’s attorney, David Dusek, asked for a sentence of time served. U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson said during Wednesday’s sentencing hearing in Fargo that Omoruyi deserves prison time because it was a for-profit scheme to unlawfully move people across the border.

After sentencing, Dusek said he tried to get Omoruyi a lighter sentence so he could return to Canada. Dusek had no further comment.

Omoruyi’s wife, Michelle Omoruyi, is facing human smuggling charges in Canada. She is due in Estevan Provincial Court on Aug. 14.

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