A Nigerian migrant known as 'Spartan' has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for attempting to rape a woman following a night out in Hull, UK. Qudus Ajeyemi, 27, was in the United Kingdom on a student visa when he committed the crime. He was convicted after his victim recorded him apologizing over the phone.
Details of the Incident
Ajeyemi, residing on May Street in Hull, touched the woman without her consent and undressed after offering her a bed because she was heavily intoxicated. The incident occurred in March 2023 after a party night out. The victim, who had only met Ajeyemi briefly before and knew him only as 'Spartan', was escorted to a room on Tavistock Street in Hull. She had consumed half a bottle of champagne and vodka before returning to Ajeyemi's house, where she became ill in the bathroom.
After sitting on a sofa downstairs, Ajeyemi asked if she wanted to go upstairs for a nap. Prosecutor Charlotte Baines told the trial: 'Spartan led her upstairs and she lay down on the bed. She thought that he would leave her there to sleep. Within a few seconds, Spartan was touching her. She pushed him off and told him: "I'm not here for that." Her response did not deter Spartan and he touched her again.' The woman repeated: 'Stop. Don't touch me.' She saw that Ajeyemi had undressed. When she grabbed him to stop him, he pushed her, and she fled downstairs.
Aftermath and Evidence
The woman sat on the sofa crying, and Ajeyemi's friends asked what was wrong. Ajeyemi himself entered the room and asked what was wrong, knowing what he had done. The victim was taken home and later confided in a friend. The court heard that Ajeyemi later called the victim on FaceTime and apologized repeatedly, admitting to his actions. He sent follow-up messages begging for forgiveness, unaware that the victim had recorded their conversations, which became key evidence at trial.
Legal Proceedings
Ajeyemi was found guilty of attempted rape and sexual assault after a week-long trial at Hull Crown Court on May 26. He was remanded in custody until his sentencing on Monday, June 15. In addition to the prison term, he will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and issued a seven-year restraining order. After serving his sentence, he will be deported back to Nigeria.
Detectives from Humberside Police's Protecting Vulnerable People Unit identified 'Spartan' as Qudus Ajeyemi. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, which he denied even when the recording of his admission was played back to him.
Police Statement
Detective Sergeant Ethan Anderson, who led the investigation, commended the victim for her bravery: 'I want to start by commending the woman who came forward and reported what had happened to her; reporting this type of crime is never easy and she has displayed nothing but immense bravery and strength throughout the complex and lengthy process. Ajeyemi preyed on the woman, taking advantage of her and attempted to rape her in a space she ought to have been safe in, around friends. The trauma and emotional damage he caused will undoubtedly stay with her for the rest of her life.'
Anderson added: 'The impact of this ordeal was only magnified by Ajeyemi's refusal to admit what he had done, delaying the outcome for the victim and forcing her to endure a gruelling six-day trial. We take all reports of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously and continue to work relentlessly to take offenders like Ajeyemi off our streets. Specialist trained officers work closely with partner agencies to support victims and survivors. It does not matter if it happened yesterday, a few weeks ago, or even years ago, our advice to any victim of any sexual offence is to speak to us when you are ready. Whether you tell a trusted adult or a friend, it is important that you tell someone. We will always do everything we can to hold those accountable for such vile crimes.'
Anyone who suspects crimes of this nature are taking place is urged to report via non-emergency number 101 or call 999 in an emergency.
