A Nigerian student living in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of attempted rape and sexual assault in a case that has drawn significant attention in Hull, England.
The convicted man, 27-year-old Qudus Ajeyemi, popularly known as “Spartan,” was found guilty following a six-day trial at Hull Crown Court. Authorities confirmed that Ajeyemi was residing on May Street in Hull and was studying in the UK on a student visa when the incident occurred in early 2023.
According to court proceedings, the victim had attended a gathering at a residence on Tavistock Street after a night out. Having consumed alcohol and feeling unwell, she accepted an offer to rest in an upstairs room.
However, what she believed would be a safe place to recover quickly turned into a traumatic experience.
Prosecutor Charlotte Baines told the court that shortly after the woman lay down on the bed, Ajeyemi allegedly began making unwanted advances toward her. The victim immediately objected and made her position clear, reportedly saying, “I’m not here for that.”
Despite her resistance, the inappropriate contact allegedly continued. The court heard that the woman managed to push him away before running downstairs in distress.
Witnesses reportedly noticed her emotional state as she sat crying in the living room. Prosecutors stated that Ajeyemi later entered the room and questioned her about what was wrong despite being fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators later revealed that Ajeyemi contacted the victim through FaceTime after the incident. During those conversations, he reportedly admitted his actions and repeatedly apologised. Additional messages seeking forgiveness were also sent to the victim.
The woman preserved the communication records and submitted them to the police in March 2023. Those records became a key part of the investigation conducted by Humberside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered that Ajeyemi be deported to Nigeria after completing his jail term. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and handed a seven-year restraining order.
Detective Sergeant Ethan Anderson, who led the investigation, praised the victim for her courage throughout the legal process.
“Reporting this type of crime is never easy, and she has shown immense bravery and strength from the moment she reported the incident through to sentencing,” he said.
Police further emphasized their commitment to supporting survivors of sexual offences and bringing perpetrators to justice. Authorities also encouraged victims to come forward whenever they feel ready, stressing that support services and specialist officers are available to assist them throughout the process.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of consent, accountability, and the role of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice is served.
