Track and field has been a captivating sport since forever and is celebrated for its edge-of-the-seat excitement. The 2023 season was filled with all the thrills in the world due to the athletes giving it all during the world championships and the Diamond League. However, the sport has not been immune to the looming shadow of doping controversies that sporadically form dark clouds over it.

As the athletes are gearing up for the big Paris Olympics next year, another doping case involving a Nigerian athlete has come to light. As a result of this, the athlete has been suspended for six years after the verdict of the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal.

The inquiry that culminated in the suspension of the track and field star

As per the reports from Morebranches, Divine Oduduru – known for his specialization in the 100 and 200 meters – has been handed a six-year suspension after the ruling of the WAD Tribunal. This tribunal was taken out to do a thorough investigation into the two alleged anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) reported by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). In the investigation, 27-year-old Oduduru was found guilty of both possession (Rule 2.6 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules; ADR and Rule 2.2 ADR).

Oduduru, who holds the record as Nigeria’s second-fastest runner, has already been notified by AIU on Thursday. The investigation was launched after the details contained in a criminal charge filed against the US-based “naturopathic” therapist Eric Lira were revealed on January 12, 2022. This charge was brought forward by the United States Department of Justice under the Rodchenkov Act. Not only Oduduru, but, one of his compatriots was also banned after some chats with Lira were leaked.

There is more to the story

In a 51-page verdict that came on September 18, Divine Oduduru was implicated alongside his fellow athlete, Blessing Okagbare. Sprinter and long jumper Okagbare was handed a suspension of 11 years. Nonetheless, Oduduru himself never tested positive for any prohibited substances. The evidence linking him to the case relied on WhatsApp exchanges between Okagbare and Eric Lira, where the terms “divine” and “we” were mentioned.

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He underwent multiple tests and was not tested positive for any of the tests, but the substances were allegedly found in his residence. He also stated that he was a victim of a conspiracy aimed at framing him. Regardless of what Oduduru has to say in his defense, the tribunal rendered a verdict against him, concluding that he had contravened rules 2.6 and 2.2 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules and henceforth will be ruled out of the sport for six years.

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