Nigerian sprinter Divine Oduduru has been handed a six-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for multiple anti-doping rule violations. The AIU’s investigation revealed that Oduduru was involved in a scheme to procure prohibited substances, including human growth hormone (hGH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and erythropoietin (EPO), in collaboration with his teammate, Blessing Okagbare, who is currently serving an 11-year ban for doping offenses.
The AIU’s disciplinary tribunal found Oduduru guilty of possession and attempted use of these substances, leading to a four-year ban. Due to aggravated circumstances, an additional two years were added, resulting in a total six-year suspension effective from February 9, 2023, and concluding on February 8, 2029. All of Oduduru’s results from July 12, 2021, to the start of his provisional suspension have been disqualified, and he has been ordered to pay $3,000 towards World Athletics’ expenses related to the case.
This case underscores the AIU’s commitment to maintaining integrity in athletics by holding athletes accountable for doping violations. The AIU’s investigation was informed by information from a criminal charge against U.S.-based therapist Eric Lira, who was accused of supplying performance-enhancing drugs to athletes before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Oduduru, a former NCAA champion with personal bests of 9.86 seconds in the 100 meters and 19.73 seconds in the 200 meters, has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation.
