Godson Oghenebrume, a 23-year-old sprinter from Nigeria, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. The athlete was convicted of illegally possessing a firearm while residing in the United States on an F-1 student visa. Chief U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick presided over the case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and ordered that the sprinter faces deportation once he finishes his jail term.
U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall reported that the incident occurred on February 7, 2025. Investigations revealed that Oghenebrume, while at his Baton Rouge apartment, became embroiled in a dispute with his former partner. During this confrontation, he allegedly fired a 9mm Glock 43X multiple times while his infant child was nearby. The situation escalated, resulting in bullet damage to the apartment building walls and the destruction of the victim’s mobile phone.
When law enforcement officials from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene, Oghenebrume initially refused to follow orders and attempted to hide the weapon in nearby bushes before being apprehended. During subsequent questioning, he admitted to authorities that he discharged the firearm as a way to intimidate his ex-girlfriend. The investigation involved cooperation from the Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
