A 27-year-old Nigerian man, Qudus Ajeyemi, has been convicted at Hull Crown Court in the United Kingdom for attempted rape and sexual assault following an incident involving a woman during a night out in Hull.
Ajeyemi, formerly of May Street off Beverley Road in Hull and recently resident in Manchester, was found guilty on Friday, May 29, 2026, of attempted rape by a 10–2 majority verdict and sexual assault by a unanimous decision.
The court heard that the offence occurred after the complainant, who had been on a night out involving alcohol consumption, went upstairs in a house to rest due to feeling unwell.
Prosecutors told the court that Ajeyemi followed her upstairs and engaged in unwanted sexual contact despite clear objections from the victim.
According to the prosecution, the complainant repeatedly told him to stop, but he persisted until she managed to resist and escape from the room.
The court was further told that the victim later reported the incident after initially hesitating due to concerns about the defendant’s academic and immigration status, but decided to proceed with the complaint out of fear he might reoffend.
During the trial, prosecutors said the victim’s testimony was credible and consistent, while the defence argued that the encounter was consensual and limited to kissing and cuddling, claims the jury rejected.
The court also heard that Ajeyemi later communicated with the complainant through phone and text messages, during which he expressed remorse for his actions.
He was remanded in custody following the verdicts, having been on bail during the trial. Sentencing is expected in the coming weeks.
Authorities said the conviction marks the conclusion of a case that drew attention within the local community and among international student circles in the United Kingdom.
