Daniel Adegboyega, a 7-foot Nigerian basketball player, has built a college basketball career in the United States — but that career is now overshadowed by a serious criminal case that could also see him deported.
From Lagos to US College Basketball
- The 21-year-old center, whose basketball records list him as Daniel Tobiloba, was born in Lagos, Nigeria.
- He attended Grand View Christian High School in Des Moines, Iowa, where he earned All-State honours and helped his team reach the state final.
- He began his college career at the University of South Florida, appearing in 10 games (4 starts) as a freshman during the 2023–24 season.
- He later played at UC Riverside before joining Jacksonville State University.
Arrested and Charged With First-Degree Rape
Adegboyega was arrested in Alabama and charged with first-degree rape following an alleged incident on July 28, 2026, involving a woman who had gone to his apartment to watch a movie.
- According to court records cited by WBRC, the woman told police Adegboyega made sexual advances and allegedly forced her to have sex after she repeatedly refused.
- She reportedly sent messages to her roommate during the incident; when the roommate could not reach her, police were called for a welfare check.
- At his bond hearing, prosecutors presented the alleged victim’s statements, messages sent during the incident, a completed rape kit, and blood-stained clothing as evidence. Further lab and digital testing is still pending.
- Adegboyega has denied the allegations.
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Immigration Status Complicates the Case
As a Nigerian citizen with an active ICE detainer, Adegboyega’s case carries added weight. The presiding judge ruled there was a realistic possibility he could be removed from US jurisdiction if released on bond.
On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, District Judge Randy J. Moeller denied him bond, ordering that he remain in custody as the case proceeds.
