Nigerian sprinter Brume jailed 27 months in US, faces deportation

Nigerian sprinter Godson Oghenebrume has been sentenced to 27 months in a United States federal prison by US Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm while on an F-1 student visa.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana disclosed this in a statement published on its website on Tuesday, noting that Oghenebrume, who was admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant F-1 student visa, is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completion of his sentence.

“A Nigerian national residing in Baton Rouge was convicted for possession of a firearm by an alien admitted under a non-immigrant visa. He is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completion of his sentence,” the statement partly read.

“Based on the complaint that preceded the indictment, on the night of February 7, 2025, Oghenebrume was in his apartment when an ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his infant child, arrived at the apartment with the baby.

“Oghenebrume, who had been in the apartment with another young woman, went outside, and an argument ensued between him and the mother of his child. During this argument, and while the baby was present, Oghenebrume discharged the firearm,” the statement added.

The statement continued, revealing that Oghenebrume went back into his apartment, after which his ex-girlfriend opened his apartment door, observed him and the other young woman in the living room, and began arguing with him.

The argument reportedly spilt out of the apartment, and Oghenebrume discharged the firearm multiple times as the mother of his child fled. Multiple bullet strikes were said to have been observed in the walls of the apartment complex.

Oghenebrume smashed his ex-girlfriend’s phone and took the baby, who had been present throughout the incident. Oghenebrume’s ex-girlfriend then approached the other woman, who was attempting to leave, and asked her for help getting the baby. She agreed to help and was able to get the child from Oghenebrume.

“When East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the apartment complex, Oghenebrume walked away from them, ignoring their commands, and discarded the Glock model 43X, 9mm pistol into some shrubs.

Oghenebrume was detained soon thereafter. Deputies spoke to Oghenebrume’s neighbor, who confirmed hearing shots and stated his ears had been ringing,” the statement added.

This development has sparked mixed reactions online. Many Nigerians expressed disappointment over the talented athlete’s fall from grace. “You never gain ground; you wan dey form gangsta?” #iam_Tosin01 tweeted. Another user, #FablosJanny, wrote, “Over two years, Godson don buy market.”

#toondeeh offered a note of caution, saying, “A lesson for everyone: know and respect the laws of the country you’re in.” While #BigDowat wondered, “Abi them set am up ni, if not he foolish gan oo.”

Some reactions highlighted the risks of carrying firearms abroad. “How will you be on student visa and possess fire arm? That’s a risky game,” #AbuYusro0x posted. Others focused on the consequences for his career, with #Recruitmentupd1 noting, “Ohh my God, this is not good. His visa will most likely be revoked after this.”

News had earlier reported oghenebrume’s guilty plea in December 2025, when he faced a potential maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

The sentencing marks a significant setback for the young sprinter, who rose through the ranks from Onoriede International School in Nigeria to become a standout collegiate athlete at LSU. His achievements included anchoring relay teams to national titles and contributing to Nigeria’s athletics profile on the global stage.

As Oghenebrume begins his prison term, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria is yet to issue an official statement on the matter. The case serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement of U.S. gun laws, particularly for non-immigrants on student visas.

This incident marks a setback for the young sprinter’s professional career as one of Nigeria’s fastest sprinters with a personal best of 9.90 seconds in the 100m. He previously represented the country as an alternate in the 4x100m relay at the Tokyo Olympics and won silver at the 2023 NCAA Championships as part of the LSU team that set an NCAA record in the 4x100m relay.