Nigerian Sprinter Oghenebrume Sentenced to 27 Months

Nigerian sprinter Oghenebrume was sentenced to 27 months in a U.S. federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a firearm while residing in the country on an F-1 student visa. The sentence was handed down by Chief Judge Shelli D.

Dick of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.

Following his prison term, Oghenebrume will be subject to deportation proceedings. The incident occurred on February 7, 2025, at his apartment in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where an argument with his former girlfriend escalated, leading to him discharging a firearm in the presence of a child.

He was later apprehended by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office after attempting to flee the scene. Oghenebrume, recognized as one of Nigeria's fastest sprinters, had previously represented the country at the Tokyo Olympics and contributed to Louisiana State University's relay team, which won a silver medal at the 2023 NCAA Championship.