Nigeria’s Para powerlifter, Kafilat Almaruf, has been handed a three-year ban by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for committing an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV).
Almaruf’s urine sample was collected out-of-competition on July 11, 2024, which returned an adverse analytical finding (AAF) for the administration of an anabolic agent.
According to the IPC, the analysis of Almaruf’s urine sample using Gas Chromatography/Combustion/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) confirmed the presence of an anabolic agent of exogenous origin. This type of analysis differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and prohibited anabolic agents of external origin.
Exogenous anabolic steroids, classified under S1.1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2024 Prohibited List, are banned at all times. Almaruf’s provisional suspension by the IPC on August 19, 2024, pending a resolution of her case, has now been followed by a three-year ban.
As a result of her violation, Almaruf will be ineligible for competition and other sporting activities, except for authorized anti-doping education or rehabilitation programs, from August 19, 2024, until August 18, 2027. All her results obtained from the date the sample was collected until the commencement of the provisional suspension are also disqualified, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
The IPC emphasizes that each athlete is strictly liable for the substances found in their sample. An ADRV occurs whenever a prohibited substance is found in their sample, regardless of whether the athlete intentionally or unintentionally used the substance.
The ban means Almaruf will miss the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
