A 23-year-old Nigerian student in the United States, Godson Oghenebrume, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and will face deportation after serving his sentence for illegally possessing a firearm and firing multiple shots during a confrontation with his ex-girlfriend.
The sentencing was announced by the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, Kurt Wall, who said Oghenebrume was convicted of possessing a firearm while living in the United States on a non-immigrant F-1 student visa.
According to the statement, U.S. Chief Judge Shelly Dick handed down the 27-month prison sentence. Authorities also confirmed that Oghenebrume will be subject to removal (deportation) from the United States after completing his prison term.
Investigators said the incident occurred on February 7, 2025, when Oghenebrume was inside his apartment with another woman. His former girlfriend, who is also the mother of his infant child, reportedly arrived at the apartment with their baby, leading to a heated confrontation.
Prosecutors said Oghenebrume went outside to meet her, where an argument broke out. During the dispute, and while the infant was present, he allegedly fired a Glock Model 43X 9mm pistol.
The situation reportedly escalated after both returned inside the apartment, where the ex-girlfriend discovered Oghenebrume with the other woman. The argument continued outside, and authorities said he fired several more shots as the woman fled the scene. Investigators later found multiple bullet holes in the walls of the apartment complex.
Prosecutors further alleged that Oghenebrume smashed his ex-girlfriend’s phone and took custody of the baby during the incident.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the ex-girlfriend later sought help from the other woman, who successfully retrieved the child from Oghenebrume.
When deputies from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office arrived, Oghenebrume allegedly ignored their commands, walked away from officers, and threw the Glock pistol into nearby shrubs before he was eventually apprehended.
A neighbour told investigators that the gunfire was so loud it left his ears ringing.
During a post-Miranda interview with detectives, Oghenebrume admitted firing the weapon but claimed he only intended to frighten his ex-girlfriend into leaving.
Authorities said his conviction for illegally possessing a firearm while on a non-immigrant visa resulted in the federal prison sentence and the deportation proceedings that will follow upon his release.
