Nigerian student jailed in US over illegal gun possession, shooting
Nigerian Student Sentenced for Gun Offense in U.S.
Baton Rouge, La. — A 23-year-old Nigerian student, Godson Oghenebrume, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and discharging it during a confrontation with his former girlfriend and their infant child.
U.S. Chief Judge Shelly Dick pronounced the sentence following Oghenebrume’s guilty plea to possession of a firearm by an individual admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa. The information was released in a statement from U.S. Attorney Kurt Wall.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that Oghenebrume, who is currently in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, will face deportation upon completion of his prison sentence.
The firearm incident occurred on February 7, 2025. Prosecutors reported that Oghenebrume was in an apartment with another woman when his former girlfriend arrived with their infant. An altercation ensued as the former girlfriend confronted Oghenebrume, who allegedly discharged a Glock model 43X 9mm pistol multiple times during the dispute, which took place with the baby present.
According to authorities, the argument escalated after the former girlfriend discovered Oghenebrume with another female, leading to further gunfire as she attempted to flee the scene. Evidence of multiple bullet strikes was found in the walls of the apartment complex.
Additionally, investigators indicated that Oghenebrume damaged his former girlfriend’s mobile phone and refused to return the child, who remained on the premises throughout the incident. When deputies from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office arrived, Oghenebrume reportedly ignored commands, attempted to walk away, and discarded the firearm in nearby shrubs. He was detained shortly thereafter.
A witness, who heard the gunfire, reported that the noise was loud enough to cause ringing in his ears. During a post-Miranda interview, Oghenebrume admitted to firing the weapon, claiming he intended to scare his ex-girlfriend and encourage her to leave.