By Andrew Ekejiuba

Kafilat Almaruf, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s para powerlifting scene, has been handed a three-year ban by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for breaching its anti-doping regulations.

The IPC revealed that Almaruf committed an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) following an adverse analytical finding (AAF) in a urine sample collected out-of-competition on 11 July 2024. The test confirmed the administration of an anabolic agent, a substance prohibited under the IPC Anti-Doping Code.

Subsequent analysis of her sample, conducted using Gas Chromatography/Combustion/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS), distinguished between naturally occurring anabolic androgenic steroids and externally introduced anabolic agents. The findings confirmed the presence of an exogenous anabolic steroid in her system.

Exogenous anabolic steroids, classified under S1.1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2024 Prohibited List, are banned at all times.

Almaruf was provisionally suspended by the IPC on 19 August 2024 as investigations proceeded. The sanction means she is ineligible to represent Nigeria at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.