IPC Slams 3-year Ban On Nigeria’s Para Powerlifter For Doping Violations

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has placed a three-year ban on Nigeria’s para powerlifter Kafilat Almaruf for doping violations.

In a statement issued by IPC, it confirmed the presence of an anabolic agent of exogenous origin in Almaruf’s urine sample that was provided out of competition on 11 July 2024.

The disciplinary action, which will see the Nigerian banned for a period of three years, is for committing an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV), in breach of the IPC Anti-Doping Code (the Code).

“Almaruf’s (GC/C/IRMS) differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and prohibited anabolic agents of external origin. The GC/C/IRMS analysis confirmed the presence of an anabolic agent of exogenous origin in Almaruf’s urine sample.”

“Exogenous anabolic steroids are included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2024 Prohibited List under the class S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) and are prohibited at all times.”

The athlete was provisionally suspended by the IPC on 19 August 2024 pending a resolution of her case. The athlete accepted the commission of the ADRV and the consequences proposed by the IPC.

As a result of her violation, the athlete will be ineligible for competition and other sporting activities (other than authorized anti-doping education or rehabilitation programs) for three years from 19 August 2024 until 18 August 2027.