Survivors’ Courage Lands UK-Based Nigerian 28-Year Jail Term for Child Abuse
A UK court has handed a 28-year prison sentence to a 61-year-old Nigerian, Anthony Adewale Sobogun, following a prosecution built largely on the compelling testimony of two survivors of prolonged sexual abuse.
Sobogun, who lived in Croydon, was found guilty at the Inner London Crown Court on 16 counts of sexual offences, including child rape and repeated sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13.
The offences, which spanned over 15 years from the 1990s into the early 2000s, involved victims known to him.
Central to the prosecution’s case were detailed accounts from the survivors, one of whom disclosed that the convict took her to an abortion clinic after she became pregnant.
Investigators corroborated her testimony with medical records and counselling notes, establishing a pattern of sustained abuse.
The Metropolitan Police launched an extensive probe that culminated in Sobogun’s arrest on July 2, 2025.
Authorities adopted a victim-focused approach, using video-recorded interviews conducted in specially designed suites to ensure sensitive and effective evidence gathering.
Detective Constable Charlotte Lockyer said the outcome underscored the impact of survivors speaking out, noting that their courage not only secured justice but also prevented further harm.
In a joint statement, the victims described how fear and stigma often keep abuse hidden, urging others in similar situations to come forward and seek support.
They also commended law enforcement and prosecutors for their professionalism in handling the case, which authorities say reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen victim protection and build robust cases against sexual offenders.
