UPDATE: Blessing Okagbare May Go To Jail Over Alleged Illegal Drug Use – AFN Expresses Concern

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has expressed worry and concern over the newest growth in opposition to Blessing Okagbare over her alleged unlawful use of medicine.

 

Okagbare, who has been charged with three offences by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), was suspended simply earlier than her semifinal race on the Tokyo Olympics after testing constructive for a human development hormone following an out-of-competition check on July 19.

 

Okagbare, who’s  32-year-old was mentioned to have later examined constructive for an additional banned substance, recombinant erythropoietin (EPO), which will increase crimson blood cell depend. She has additionally been charged for not cooperating with the AIU’s investigation.

 

Talking with newsmen, an official of the AFN raised the priority that Okagbare may find yourself in jail due to the best way the problem goes.

“I’m actually fearful by the brand new dimension Okagbare’s drug concern is taking,” the AFN official, who pleaded anonymity, mentioned. “If care shouldn’t be taken, she may find yourself in jail as a result of to check constructive to EPO is a critical offence so far as athletics is anxious. The EPO is a kind of drug given to horses whereas making ready them for race. I learnt she shouldn’t be even cooperating with the AIU.

 

“I’m positive Okagbare should have stepped on many toes prior to now because of her ego drawback, and people folks might have been patiently ready for this chance to pay her again.

 

“ If the AIU decides to take the investigation backwards and discover her culpable, Okagbare is likely to be stripped of a few of her medals. My recommendation to her is to cooperate with the investigation,” the AFN official mentioned.

 

The AIU had alleged that Okagbare “didn’t adjust to a proper requirement to provide related paperwork, information and digital storage units” to the investigation.

 

Okagbare, an Olympics lengthy leap silver medallist at Beijing 2008, had received her 100m warmth in Tokyo earlier than she was suspended from the Video games.