A UK-based Nigerian man has been sentenced to five years in prison for trying to rape a woman who was intoxicated
Qudus Ajeyemi, a 27-year-old Nigerian student in the UK, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison after being found guilty of attempted rape and sexual assault against a woman in Hull.
Known by the nickname “Spartan,” he was convicted following a six-day trial at Hull Crown Court.
At the time of the incident in early 2023, Ajeyemi was residing on May Street in Hull on a student visa.
Evidence presented in court revealed that the victim had gone to a house on Tavistock Street in Hull after a night out.
Feeling unwell after drinking, she was taken upstairs by Ajeyemi, who offered her a place to rest.
Prosecutor Charlotte Baines stated, “Spartan led her upstairs, and she lay down on the bed, expecting him to leave her alone.
However, within moments, he began to touch her. She pushed him away and said, ‘I’m not here for that.’ Despite her objections, he continued to touch her.
The woman eventually managed to push him off and fled downstairs in distress.
Ms. Baines stated: “She sat on the sofa in the living room and began to cry.
“Some of Spartan’s friends inquired about her distress. Spartan then entered the room and asked her what was wrong, fully aware of his actions.”
After the incident, Ajeyemi allegedly reached out to the victim via FaceTime, confessed to his actions, and repeatedly expressed his remorse, later sending further messages seeking forgiveness.
The victim kept records of their conversations and submitted them to the police in March 2023, prompting an investigation by the Humberside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit.
In addition to his prison sentence, Ajeyemi will be deported to Nigeria upon completion of his term. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and received a seven-year restraining order.
Detective Sergeant Ethan Anderson, who oversaw the investigation, commended the victim for her courage in coming forward.
He remarked: “I want to begin by praising the woman who reported what happened to her; coming forward about such crimes is never simple, and she has shown remarkable bravery and resilience throughout this complicated and lengthy process, from reporting the incident to the sentencing.
“Ajeyemi exploited the woman, taking advantage of her and attempting to assault her in a place where she should have felt secure, surrounded by friends. The trauma and emotional scars he inflicted will likely remain with her for life.
“The impact of this experience was further intensified by Ajeyemi’s unwillingness to acknowledge his actions, prolonging the process for the victim and forcing her to endure a challenging six-day trial. We take all allegations of rape and sexual offenses very seriously and are committed to removing offenders like Ajeyemi from our communities.
“Specialist officers collaborate closely with partner organizations throughout our area to support victims and survivors, while also working to prevent future incidents by bringing perpetrators to justice. It doesn’t matter if the incident occurred yesterday, weeks ago, or even years ago; our message to any victim of sexual offenses is to reach out to us when you feel ready.
“Whether you confide in a trusted adult or a friend, it’s crucial to speak to someone. We will always strive to hold those responsible for such heinous crimes accountable.
“If you suspect that such crimes are occurring, please report them to us using our non-emergency number 101. In an emergency, always call 999.”
(Source: Vanguard Newspapers)
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