At seven feet tall, Daniel Adegboyega has built a basketball career in the United States that has taken him from high school in Iowa to college programmes in Florida and California.

The 21-year-old Nigerian, whose basketball records list him as Daniel Tobiloba, was born in Lagos and plays as a centre.

He attended Grand View Christian High School in Des Moines, Iowa, where he earned All-State honours. He also earned a place on the Iowa state playoffs all-tournament team after helping Grand View reach the state final.

Adegboyega subsequently moved into college basketball, joining the University of South Florida. As a freshman, he appeared in 10 games, including four starts, and recorded nine rebounds, seven points, one assist and one block during the 2023-24 season.

He later spent time at UC Riverside before joining Jacksonville State University.

But his basketball career has now been overshadowed by a serious criminal case.

Adegboyega was arrested in Alabama and charged with first-degree rape following an alleged July 28, 2026, incident involving a woman who had gone to his apartment to watch a movie.

According to court records cited by WBRC, the woman told police that Adegboyega made sexual advances towards her and allegedly forced her to have sex after she repeatedly rejected him.

She reportedly sent messages to her roommate during the incident. After the roommate became concerned and could not reach her, police were called for a welfare check.

Court records cited at his bond hearing said prosecutors presented the alleged victim's statements, messages sent during the incident, a completed rape kit, blood-stained clothing and other evidence. Additional laboratory and digital testing remains pending.

Adegboyega has denied the allegations.

His immigration status has further complicated the case. He is a Nigerian citizen with an active ICE detainer, and the judge ruled that there was a realistic possibility he could be removed from US jurisdiction if released.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, District Judge Randy J Moeller denied him bond, ordering that he remain in custody as the case proceeds.

FKA/AM