Nigerian sprinter Godson Brume has pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm while in the United States on a non-immigrant visa.

The fourth-fastest man in Nigeria’s history now faces serious penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release, and possible deportation after serving his sentence.

According to Track and Field Gazette, the incident occurred in February 2025 in Baton Rouge. Brume was reportedly in his apartment with another woman when his former girlfriend—mother of his infant child—arrived with the baby.

An argument allegedly broke out outside the apartment. During the confrontation, Brume discharged a Glock 43X pistol while the child was present. The dispute escalated when the woman opened the apartment door and saw Brume with the other woman, leading to a second confrontation outside.

Investigators reported that Brume fired the weapon several times as the mother of his child tried to flee. Multiple bullet impacts were later found in the apartment walls, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Authorities also allege that Brume smashed the woman’s phone, took the child with him, and discarded the firearm into nearby shrubs before being apprehended by deputies.

The case marks a dramatic fall from grace for Brume, an athlete celebrated for his speed. He boasts a personal best of 9.90 seconds in the 100 metres, placing him among Nigeria’s fastest sprinters of all time.

Brume won silver at the 2023 NCAA Championships and was part of the LSU 4x100m relay team that set an NCAA record of 37.90 seconds while winning the national title the same year.

His sentencing date has not yet been announced.