LEEDS, United Kingdom (FN) — A Nigerian postgraduate student has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in the United Kingdom for raping a 17-year-old girl he lured to his apartment under the pretense of helping her get home.
Chiemka Okoronta, 29, was the only other passenger on a night bus that terminated unexpectedly in Morley, near Leeds. The teenage victim, who was trying to return to Bradford, had no working phone and limited funds. Prosecutors said Okoronta offered to share a taxi but instead directed the driver to his flat.
Once inside, he locked the girl in a bathroom and assaulted her. She managed to escape and flagged down a passerby to call the police. Okoronta was arrested and later convicted of three counts of rape.
At Bradford Crown Court, Judge Sophie McKone described him as a “dangerous sexual predator” who exploited the victim’s vulnerability. She said his actions were premeditated and calculated, noting that he had taken advantage of the girl’s isolation and lack of resources.
In addition to the prison sentence, Okoronta will serve three years on extended licence and remain on the sex offenders register for life. He is expected to be deported to Nigeria after completing his sentence.
The victim, in a statement read to the court, said the assault had left her traumatized and fearful of public spaces. She described experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety when using public transport or visiting city centers.
Law enforcement officials praised the victim’s courage in reporting the crime immediately. Investigators said her swift action helped secure a conviction and prevent further harm.
The case has sparked renewed calls for improved safety measures for vulnerable passengers, particularly young women traveling alone at night. Advocacy groups are urging transport authorities to implement better safeguards and emergency support systems.
As the sentencing reverberates across communities, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by predatory behavior and the importance of swift justice for survivors.
