Nigerian sprinter Divine Oduduru has been handed a six-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Union (AIU) for violating two doping regulations. In a statement released on Thursday, the AIU disclosed that Oduduru was penalised with a four-year ban for the possession of prohibited substances and an additional two years for “aggravating circumstances.”
Furthermore, Oduduru has been instructed to pay $3,000 to World Athletics to cover legal expenses and other related costs associated with his case.
The former world junior silver medalist’s case was connected to that of his teammate, Blessing Okagbare, who received an 11-year ban for doping in 2022.
Brett Clothier, the head of the AIU, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of Oduduru’s case, emphasising the gravity of the situation, which revealed a disturbing collaboration between athletes and others in a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of athletics at the highest level.
Oduduru’s involvement was alleged in a WhatsApp conversation between Okagbare and her supplier, Eric Lira, where the sprinter’s name, “Divine,” was mentioned in the context of their discussions.
The statement explained the nature of Oduduru’s violations: “The athlete has committed ADRVs under Rules 2.6 and 2.2 ADR. The violations shall be considered together as one single first violation.”
It went on to specify that a six-year period of ineligibility has been imposed on the athlete, starting from the date of the decision. The provisional suspension that Oduduru faced from February 9, 2023, until the date of the decision will be counted as part of the overall ineligibility period.
The statement also stated that Oduduru’s results from July 12, 2021, until the imposition of the provisional suspension on February 9, 2023, would be disqualified, leading to the forfeiture of any titles, awards, medals, points, prize money, and appearance fees.
Throughout the investigation, Oduduru maintained his innocence, as reported by the union.
