US agency investigates Okagbare anti-doping case by Johnny Edward

A major United States law enforcement agency is pursuing the anti-doping case involving provisionally suspended Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare, Saturday PUNCH reports. The investigations according to RJRGLEANER Group fall under the controversial Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, passed by the United State Government in December 2020. This development comes just over a month after Okagbare was barred from contesting the 100m semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics having been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit on July 31. She was suspended for using the banned drug Human Growth Hormone. Under the World Anti-Doping Agency rules, the use of HGH, an anabolic steroid, carries a maximum four-year ban for first time offenders. It grants extraterritorial jurisdiction under major international doping fraud conspiracies. While the Act provides the legal framework for the prosecution of individuals involved in doping schemes at international sports competitions involving American athletes, broadcasters and sponsors, under the law, criminal prosecution cannot be brought against athletes, who test positive for performance-enhancing substances, such as in this case, Okagbare. When contacted by messenger application WhatsApp for a comment on the criminal investigation by the law enforcement agency, Okagbare declined. “I don’t have anything to say to you nor anyone,” the 2013 World Championship Long Jump silver medallist told the RJRGLEANER Group. “With due respect, I don’t know how you got my number or who asked you to call me,” she added. The US law enforcement agency, told the RJRGLEANER Group “no comment”, when queries were made about their involvement in the Okagbare anti-doping matter. It should be noted that the agency’s policy is to not confirm or deny involvement in cases. The Athletics Integrity Unit would not be drawn into providing any update on the case of the 32-year-old sprinter. “As the case is ongoing, there aren’t further updates we can share at this stage,” AIU official Julie Burley said in an emailed response on September 28. She said any announcements or news will be posted on the AIU website and social channels when relevant. It should be noted that to date, there has been no update on the status of Okagbare’s ‘B’ sample. Meanwhile, Okagbare’s coach at the Jacksonville, Florida-based Tumbleweed Track Club, Rana Reider, has denied any knowledge or involvement in the anti-doping matter. “The situation with Blessing Okagbare has nothing to do with Tumbleweed Track Club, I know nothing about any investigation, and I have had no communication whatsoever with Blessing since news of her positive test came out,” Reider said. At least one source with close connections to Tumbleweed, informed that multiple athletes from the club were questioned during the Olympics following the AIU’s announcement of Okagbare’s doping violation. When contacted, agent Paul Doyle declined comment on the matter. It is also understood that since the doping violation, Doyle has not been representing Okagbare. PUNCH