Ex-LSU Nigerian sprinter Godson Oghenebrume sentenced to 27 months in U.S. over firearm conviction

Nigerian sprinter and former Louisiana State University (LSU) track athlete, Godson Oghenebrume, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison in the United States after pleading guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm while in the country on a non-immigrant student visa.

The sentence was handed down by U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick, while the announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall in a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice on June 30, 2026.

In addition to his prison term, the 23-year-old Nigerian national is expected to face removal proceedings and could be deported from the United States upon completing his sentence.

According to court documents, Oghenebrume admitted to possessing a Glock 43X 9mm pistol on February 7, 2025, while residing in Baton Rouge under an F-1 student visa. Under U.S. federal law, certain non-immigrant visa holders are prohibited from possessing firearms unless they meet specific legal exemptions.

The conviction stemmed from an incident at Oghenebrume’s apartment on the night of February 7, 2025. Prosecutors said his former girlfriend, who is also the mother of his infant child, visited the apartment with their baby. An argument reportedly broke out outside the residence after she arrived and found another woman inside the apartment.

Authorities said Oghenebrume discharged the firearm during the altercation while the child was present. He then returned to the apartment, where another confrontation reportedly ensued after his former girlfriend entered the residence.

The incident prompted an investigation that ultimately led to his indictment and subsequent guilty plea for unlawful firearm possession.

Oghenebrume, once regarded as one of Nigeria’s promising sprint talents, had been competing for LSU in the United States before his legal troubles. Following his release from prison, U.S. immigration authorities are expected to begin deportation proceedings in line with federal immigration laws.