Nigeria’s Para Powerlifter Banned For 3 Years Over 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 July 11, 2024.

The disciplinary action, which will see the Nigerian banned for a period of three years, was 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,” IPC stated.

Recall that the athlete was provisionally suspended by the IPC on August 19, 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 competitions and other sporting activities (other than authorised anti-doping education or rehabilitation programmes) for three years from August 19, 2024, until August 18, 2027.