International Paralympic Committee bans Nigeria’s Kafilat Almaruf for 3 years

• On 11 July 2024, a Nigerian athlete submitted an adverse analytical finding (AAF) for the administration of an anabolic agent in a urine sample provided out-of-competition.

• Almaruf’s urine sample was analyzed using GC/C/IRMS, a specialized method that distinguishes between naturally produced and prohibited external anabolic steroids.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has imposed a three-year ban on Nigerian Para powerlifting athlete Kafilat Almaruf for violating anti-doping regulations, specifically breaching the IPC Anti-Doping Code.

Almaruf tested positive for an anabolic agent following an adverse analytical finding (AAF) from a urine sample collected out-of-competition on 11 July 2024.

The analysis of Almaruf’s urine sample was conducted using a specialized method known as Gas Chromatography/Combustion/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). This technique distinguishes between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) produced endogenously and those that are prohibited and sourced externally.

The results confirmed the presence of an anabolic agent of exogenous origin in her sample. Such anabolic steroids are classified under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2024 Prohibited List, specifically within category S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS), and are banned at all times.

On 19 August 2024, the IPC provisionally suspended Almaruf while her case was under review.

The athlete acknowledged her violation of the anti-doping rule and accepted the sanctions proposed by the IPC.

Consequently, Almaruf will be ineligible to participate in competitions and other sporting activities (except for authorized anti-doping education or rehabilitation programs) for a duration of three years, from 19 August 2024 to 18 August 2027.

Additionally, all results obtained by Almaruf from the date of the sample collection (11 July 2024) until the start of her provisional suspension (19 August 2024) are disqualified, leading to the forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes earned during that period.