Vikings’ Igwebuike Freed on Bond
Donald Igwebuike, Minnesota Viking kicker, was indicted in Tampa, Fla., Friday on charges that he and two other men conspired to smuggle an estimated $1 million worth of heroin from his native Nigeria.
Igwebuike, accompanied by attorney Larry Reed, surrendered at the U.S. Customs office in Minneapolis. Afterward, he was led away in handcuffs for an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Frank L. Noel in St. Paul.
He was charged with smuggling conspiracy, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and importation of heroin. If convicted, he could face up to 120 years in prison and $6 million in fines.
Igwebuike was released after posting 10% of the $50,000 bond ordered by Noel, who also requested the player’s passport. Igwebuike is to appear in federal court Wednesday in Tampa.
In a one-sentence statement, the Vikings said they have excused Igwebuike “for a sufficient period of time to allow him to handle personal matters.”
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