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By Lizzy Chirkpi
A Nigerian student in the United Kingdom, Qudus Ajeyemi, has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison after he was convicted of attempted rape and sexual assault following an attack on a woman in Hull.
Ajeyemi, 27, popularly known as “Spartan,” was found guilty after a six-day trial at Hull Crown Court. He was living on May Street, Hull, and was in the UK on a student visa when the offences were committed in early 2023.
The court heard that the victim had gone to a house on Tavistock Street after a night out. Feeling unwell after consuming alcohol, she accepted Ajeyemi’s offer to rest in an upstairs room.
Prosecutor Charlotte Baines told the court: “Spartan led her upstairs and she lay down on the bed. She thought that he would leave her there to have a 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.”
According to the prosecution, the woman managed to fight him off and fled downstairs in tears.
Ms Baines said: “She sat down on the sofa in the sitting room and started to cry.
“Some of Spartan’s friends asked her what was wrong. Spartan himself then came into the room and asked her what was wrong knowing what he had done.”
The court further heard that after the incident, Ajeyemi contacted the victim through FaceTime, during which he admitted his actions and repeatedly apologised. He also sent follow-up messages pleading for forgiveness.
The jury found him guilty of attempted rape and sexual assault after hearing evidence over six days.
Following his prison term, Ajeyemi is also expected to face deportation from the United Kingdom under immigration rules governing foreign nationals convicted of serious criminal offences.