A United States-based Nigerian basketball player, Daniel Adegboyega, has been charged with first-degree rape by forcible compulsion in Alabama.
Adegboyega, 21, was arrested in July by the Jacksonville Police Department after police responded to a welfare check at his apartment following an allegation of sexual assault.
What police allege
According to a report by WVTM 13 cited by PUNCH, the alleged victim had visited Adegboyega’s apartment on July 28 to watch a movie.
Investigators told the court that the woman allegedly sent a secret message to her roommate after Adegboyega made unwanted sexual advances.
The roommate subsequently contacted police after being unable to reach her, prompting officers to conduct a welfare check at the apartment.
Player denies using force
Police reportedly found the woman distressed and collected evidence during their investigation.
The alleged victim told authorities that Adegboyega forcibly raped her twice that night, while Adegboyega denied using force.
Adegboyega has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Immigration issue also raised
During a bond hearing, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official reportedly testified that Adegboyega entered the United States on an F-1 student visa that expired in 2023.
The official said that if granted bond, Adegboyega could be transferred to an immigration detention facility in Louisiana for further immigration proceedings.
However, Adegboyega’s host father disputed aspects of the immigration testimony and attributed the visa issue to complications surrounding his transfer between universities.
Adegboyega remains legally presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
