Nigerian Sprinter Godson Oghenebrum Sentenced to 27 Months

Nigerian sprinter Godson Oghenebrum was sentenced to 27 months in U.S. federal prison by Chief Judge Shelli D. Dick after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm while on an F-1 student visa.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Louisiana disclosed that Oghenebrum admitted to being a non-immigrant subject to removal upon completing his sentence.

The incident occurred on February 7, 2025, when Oghenebrum discharged a firearm during an argument with his ex-girlfriend, who was present with an infant child. Following the incident, he discarded a Glock Model 43X 9mm pistol and was subsequently detained.

Oghenebrum's guilty plea came in December 2025, where he faced a potential maximum sentence of 15 years and a $250,000 fine. This conviction represents a significant setback for Oghenebrum, who was recognized as one of Nigeria's fastest sprinters and had notable achievements, including contributing to LSU's 4x100m relay team that set an NCAA record.