The British Transport Police has secured a six-year prison sentence against a United Kingdom-based Nigerian, Mr Daniel Odubanjo, for sexually assaulting a woman aboard a moving train.
It was gathered on Tuesday from a statement posted on the BTP website that Odubanjo received his sentence from Chelmsford Crown Court on January 12 following his conviction for false imprisonment and sexual assault.
The statement revealed that Odubanjo’s prosecution stemmed from a complaint filed by a woman who reported that the convict attacked her whilst she was using a train toilet.
According to the narrative, on November 29, 2024, the victim was using the train’s toilet facility when she heard a knock on the door, initially thinking another passenger was waiting to use the convenience.
However, upon finishing and opening the door, she encountered Odubanjo, who reportedly pushed her back into the cubicle, locked the door and assaulted her.
The statement read, “But instead, she came face to face with Odubanjo, who pushed her back inside the cubicle and locked the door, forcefully grabbing her wrists and sexually assaulting her.
“In the struggle that ensued, the woman, who was 21 at the time, managed to open the door and attempted to get the attention of a fellow passenger, but Odubanjo grabbed her and pulled her back into the toilet, where he continued the sexual assault as she screamed for help.
“It was only when she lied about her age, claiming to be 14, that Odubanjo let her go. In an extremely distressed state, she approached a member of staff and left the train at Chelmsford, where she reported the incident to BTP.”
The police disclosed that shortly after the initial incident, Odubanjo approached another teenage passenger, positioned himself opposite her and bombarded her with inappropriate questions.
“When he left to use the toilet, the teenager moved seats to sit closer to other passengers and told them what had happened.
However, Odubanjo returned, sat next to her and sexually assaulted her.
“A nearby passenger intervened and pulled Odubanjo away from the girl. The train was met by BTP officers at Hatfield Peverel station, just outside Chelmsford, where Odubanjo was arrested,” the statement added.
Following investigative proceedings, Odubanjo was charged, prosecuted and subsequently convicted by the court.
The statement noted, “Following a British Transport Police investigation, Daniel Odubanjo, 27, of King Avenue, Clapham, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, January 12, for one count of false imprisonment and two counts of sexual assault after being found guilty following an earlier trial.
“He was sentenced to six years in prison, ordered to pay a victim surcharge, and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from being under the influence of any substance while on public transport, at stations or on Network Rail property.”
Odubanjo’s conviction adds to the growing list of Nigerians found guilty of criminal offences in the United Kingdom.
