Nigerian Student Faces Serious Sexual Assault Charges in United States
A 19-year-old Nigerian student studying at Mount Saint Charles Academy in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, United States, is confronting severe legal consequences after being accused of sexually assaulting an underage female student on school premises. Oluwasegun Sanni appeared in court on Monday morning following his arrest on March 17, 2026, charged with second-degree sexual assault, a serious offense that carries significant penalties under US law.
Disturbing Details from Police Report
According to a police report obtained by NBC 10 News, the female student, whose identity remains protected due to her minor status, provided a harrowing account of the incident to Woonsocket police. She reported that Sanni cornered her outside a locker room, pushed her against a wall, and began to cry before escalating the assault.
The victim stated that Sanni grabbed her neck, attempted to kiss her, and then shoved his hand up her skirt, around her underwear, and grabbed her inappropriately. This detailed testimony formed the basis for the criminal charges filed against the Nigerian student, highlighting the traumatic nature of the alleged encounter.
Court Orders and School Response
During Sanni's arraignment, the judge issued a strict no-contact order, emphasizing that the defendant must avoid any interaction with the victim, despite both attending the same school. "If that person's walking down a corridor and you're walking in the opposite direction, you don't look in that direction, you don't do any hand signals in that direction, you don't say anything to that person," the judge instructed. "You maybe don't even want to say something about that person to the person that you're with. Just ignore it."
Mount Saint Charles Academy responded promptly to the allegations, notifying families about the incident and urging students to refrain from gossip or spreading rumors. In an official statement, the school affirmed its commitment to student safety and a fair process: "Mount Saint Charles Academy is aware of a serious allegation involving two students. We take all reports of this nature very seriously and respond promptly to ensure student safety. The matter has been reported to the appropriate authorities, and we are cooperating fully. The school is committed to a process that is thorough, fair, and impartial, and that respects the rights and dignity of all involved. Out of respect for student privacy and the integrity of the process, we will not be sharing additional details."
Community Reaction and Legal Status
Parents and students expressed concern and shock upon learning of the incident, with many acknowledging the school's notification efforts at dismissal. The case has sparked discussions about safety protocols and the handling of such sensitive matters within educational institutions.
Oluwasegun Sanni was released on personal recognizance, meaning he is not required to post bail but must comply with all court conditions, including the no-contact order. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with further court dates expected as the case develops. This incident underscores the importance of robust safety measures and swift responses to allegations of misconduct in schools, both in the United States and internationally.
