UK-Based Nigerian Gets Five-Year Prison Term for Raping Woman in Gloucester

A Nigerian man living in the United Kingdom, Segun Ogundipe, has been sentenced to five years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting a woman in Gloucester.

The 33-year-old, who resides on Tuffley Lane, Gloucester, was convicted at Gloucester Crown Court of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and assault by penetration. He denied all charges, but the jury found him guilty after hearing evidence from the victim and police investigators.

According to Gloucestershire Police, the attack happened in 2022 after Ogundipe met the woman at her workplace and invited her for drinks. Throughout the evening, he made inappropriate sexual comments that made her uncomfortable. He later convinced her to stop at his home under the pretext of picking something up, where he raped and assaulted her.

On the way to Cheltenham afterward, Ogundipe continued touching her despite repeated pleas for him to stop. Police officers on routine patrol stopped his car, giving the victim a chance to escape. Initially reluctant to speak out, she disclosed the rape after an officer noticed her distress.

In court, Ogundipe claimed the victim had initiated contact and consented, but the jury rejected his version of events. Judge Lowe acknowledged the positive character references submitted on his behalf but said the severity of the crimes warranted a custodial sentence. Ogundipe will also face deportation after completing his sentence.

In a moving statement read to the court, the survivor said the attack had left her traumatised and forced her to quit her job:

“I spent so long believing that I must have deserved what you did to me, but I know now that you had no right to the rights of my body. Every single part of my life paused… I lost my spark, and even now I’m still only starting to heal.”

She urged other victims to come forward:

“It doesn’t matter if you feel ashamed or think you are to blame. You will be believed and supported.”

Detective Constable Jon Furse praised her bravery, saying police remain committed to ensuring sexual offenders are held accountable and encouraged anyone affected by sexual violence to report it.

-VANGUARD