Nigerian sprinter Godson Oghenebrume has received a 27-month prison term in the United States after entering a guilty plea connected to an illegal firearm possession case while he was in the country on an F-1 student visa.
Key takeaways
- Godson Oghenebrume was sentenced to 27 months in a US federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm.
- The sentence was imposed by Chief US District Judge Shelly Dick following a guilty plea entered in December 2025.
- Federal court records place the incident on 7 February 2025 in Baton Rouge after a dispute involving his former girlfriend, with their infant present.
- Authorities said Oghenebrume fired multiple shots, and later attempts were made to dispose of a Glock 43X 9mm pistol before his arrest.
- No physical injuries were reported, though the case involved alleged property damage and threats during the confrontation.
- Oghenebrume is the younger brother of decorated long jumper Ese Brume and has represented Nigeria in sprint relay events.
Sentencing and expected immigration consequences
Chief US District Judge Shelly Dick delivered the 27-month sentence, with the decision communicated through a statement from the US Department of Justice and US Attorney Kurt Wall. Oghenebrume, 23, had entered his guilty plea in December 2025.
After he completes his federal prison term, he is expected to face immigration proceedings that may result in deportation.
What investigators and prosecutors said happened in Baton Rouge
Court documents state the matter began on 7 February 2025, after an argument with his former girlfriend. She had reportedly come to Oghenebrume’s Baton Rouge apartment with their infant child. Investigators alleged that during the confrontation, he fired several shots while the baby was in the home, and that officers later discovered multiple bullet impacts across the apartment complex.
Prosecutors further alleged that he damaged the former girlfriend’s mobile phone and then took custody of the child. The infant was eventually recovered with assistance from another woman who was inside the apartment. When East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived, Oghenebrume ignored police instructions and attempted to get rid of a Glock 43X 9mm pistol by throwing it into nearby bushes before his arrest.
Admission in an interview and legal firearm limits
In a post-Miranda interview, Oghenebrume admitted firing the weapon but said he only meant to scare his former girlfriend. Investigators reported that no one suffered physical injuries during the incident.
Under federal law, most people on non-immigrant visas are prohibited from possessing firearms, though limited exceptions can apply.
Background in athletics
Oghenebrume is the younger sibling of long jumper Ese Brume, a decorated athlete. He received an athletics scholarship to Louisiana State University in 2022 and later helped Nigeria win a silver medal in the men’s 4x100m relay at the 2024 African Athletics Championships in Cameroon.
His personal best stands at 9.90 seconds, which ranks him as Nigeria’s fourth-fastest 100m sprinter. Prior to the case, he was viewed as one of the country’s most promising young sprint talents and a potential future selection for the senior national athletics setup.
