Nigerian sprinter Brume admits to a US gun offence, risks 15-year jail term

Nigerian sprinter Brume admits to a US gun offence, risks 15-year jail term

Godson Oghenebrume, the younger brother of Ese Brume, the celebrated long jumper, has pleaded guilty in a United States federal court to possessing a firearm while on a temporary student visa.

Oghenebrume, a 22-year-old Nigerian sprinter who moved to the US on an athletics scholarship in 2022, entered the plea before Chief Judge Shelly Dick in Baton Rouge on December 3. The offence carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release and possible deportation after completing his sentence.

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The US Department of Justice said the case arose from a violent incident on February 7 this year at Oghenebrume’s apartment, where an argument with his former girlfriend — who had brought their infant child to the home — escalated. During the confrontation, Oghenebrume fired a Glock 43X pistol while the baby was present. Investigators later found bullet marks on the walls of the apartment complex.

“Based on the complaint that proceeded 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,” the DOJ statement reads.

“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.

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According to court documents, the dispute continued inside and outside the apartment, and Oghenebrume fired more shots as the mother of his child ran away. He also smashed her phone and took hold of the baby before a second woman at the scene helped retrieve the child.

Deputies from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office said Oghenebrume tried to walk away when they arrived and threw the gun into nearby shrubs before he was detained. A neighbour told officers he heard the shots and that “my ears were ringing”.

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In a recorded interview, detectives asked Oghenebrume why he had fired the weapon. “I just wanted her to go home,” he said. “I fired to scare her.”

United States Attorney Kurt Wall described the case as a serious breach of federal law. “Non-citizens on temporary visas are clearly barred from possessing firearms. This incident placed a child, neighbours and responding officers at risk,” he said.

Oghenebrume won silver for Nigeria in the men’s 4×100 metres relay at the 2024 African Athletics Championships in Cameroon. His sentencing date has not yet been announced.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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