US Court Jails Nigerian Athlete Godson Oghenebrume for 27 Months

Nigerian sprinter Godson Oghenebrume has been sentenced to 27 months in a United States federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm while living in the country on a student visa.

The sentence was handed down by U.S. Chief Judge Shelly Dick in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Following the completion of his prison term, Oghenebrume is also expected to face deportation proceedings, according to U.S. authorities.

Court records showed that the incident leading to his arrest occurred on February 7, 2025. Oghenebrume, who was in the United States under an F-1 non-immigrant student visa, admitted to possessing a Glock 43X 9mm pistol, an offence prohibited under federal law for individuals in his immigration category.

Investigators said the incident began after the athlete's former girlfriend, who is also the mother of his child, visited his apartment with their baby.

An argument reportedly broke out outside the residence before escalating into a violent confrontation.

Authorities alleged that Oghenebrume discharged the firearm during the dispute while the infant was nearby.

The confrontation continued after the pair returned to the apartment complex, with additional gunshots reportedly fired as the woman attempted to flee. Several bullets struck the walls of the residential building.

When deputies from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office arrived, Oghenebrume allegedly ignored their commands and attempted to dispose of the weapon by throwing it into nearby bushes before he was arrested.

The former sprinter's conviction brings an end to a case that attracted significant attention both in Nigeria and the United States.