Nigerian sprinter and bronze medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Favour Ashe, has been arrested in the United States on charges of theft and alleged fraud. The 21-year-old athlete, known for his impressive speed and talent, was apprehended in Auburn, Alabama, following an investigation into multiple counts of theft and fraudulent use of a debit/credit card.
Arrest and Charges:
– Favour Ashe was arrested by Auburn Police on Thursday at his Alabama base.
– He is facing four counts of fraudulent use of a debit/credit card and two counts of theft of property third degree.
– The arrest came after a theft report was filed on February 4, 2024, when a victim reported stolen items, including a credit card, near the 100 block of West Magnolia Avenue.
– The victim later discovered several fraudulent charges made using the stolen card.
– Ashe was transported to the Lee County Jail and is currently held on a $9,000 bond.
Athletic Achievements:
– Favour Ashe is one of the fastest Nigerian sprinters in history, having run 9.99 seconds in the 100 meters at the national championships in 2022.
– He holds a personal best of 9.96 seconds, achieved during the semi-final of the NCAA Championships in the previous year.
– Ashe represented Nigeria at the 2022 and 2023 World Athletics Championships and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he won a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 meters relay.
Previous Cases:
– Ashe is the latest in a series of US-based Nigerian athletes to be arrested on fraud-related charges in the US.
– In November 2022, five Nigerian athletes were indicted and charged with wire and mail fraud, including Toluwani Adebakin, Emmanuel Ineh, Raymond Ekevwo, Mercy Abire, and Aniekeme Etim.
– Adebakin and Ineh had already been convicted of fraud, while Abire pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Nigerian sports star Favour Ashe’s arrest in the US on charges of theft and alleged fraud has sent shockwaves through the athletic community. Ashe, known for his impressive sprinting abilities, now faces legal consequences for his alleged involvement in fraudulent activities. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining integrity both on and off the field for athletes. The case also sheds light on the broader issue of fraud-related charges faced by some Nigerian athletes based in the US.