A UK-based Nigerian, Anthony Adewale Sobogun, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for multiple sexual offences against two children committed over a 15-year period.
The Metropolitan Police Service disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that Sobogun, 61, of Thistlewood Crescent, Croydon, was sentenced at the Inner London Crown Court after being found guilty of 17 non-recent sexual abuse offences.
According to the police, the offences included several incidents of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13 and the rape of a child. Investigators said the crimes were committed over a span of about 15 years during the 1990s and early 2000s, involving victims known to the offender.
The police statement revealed that one of the victims became pregnant as a result of the abuse.
“While recounting her experience, one victim-survivor shared that Sobogun had accompanied her to an abortion clinic after she had fallen pregnant with his child,” the statement read.
“After hearing this, officers traced the medical records, which showed the procedure had taken place. They also reviewed counselling notes, which detailed the cycle of sexual abuse she had been subjected to.”
Authorities said Sobogun was arrested in the early hours of July 2, 2025, and later charged following investigations carried out using a victim-led approach that allowed officers to build trust with the survivors and gather evidence.
Speaking on the conviction, Detective Constable Charlotte Lockyer said the case was made possible by the courage of the victims who came forward.
“The bravery of the victims in coming forward is what brought Sobogun to justice. It’s as a result of their courage in working with officers that this dangerous man has been jailed,” she said.
“Their bravery in the face of an abuser has stopped Sobogun from causing further harm to society. Today’s result shows that no matter when the abuse occurred, justice can still be secured.”
In a joint statement, the victims said the case highlights how abuse often remains hidden due to fear, stigma, and silence.
“What has come to light is deeply distressing, but sadly, it is not an isolated situation. Abuse like this exists in many communities, often hidden by family, fear, silence, or stigma,” they said.
They also encouraged other victims to speak up.
“If you have experienced abuse, your voice matters, and you deserve to be heard, supported, and protected,” the statement added.
The victims further expressed appreciation to the Metropolitan Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and prosecutor William Goss for handling the case professionally and ensuring their voices were heard in court.
Police said the investigation adopted a victim-centred approach, including the use of video-recorded interviews conducted in specially designed suites to support the gathering of sensitive evidence.
Meanwhile, the case comes months after another Nigerian national, Chukwuemeka Ahanonu, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a 56-year-old woman, Nila Patel, in Leicester, United Kingdom.