A United Kingdom-based Nigerian man, Anthony Sobogun, has been sentenced to 28 years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty of 17 counts of sexual abuse relating to two children in a traumatic cycle that lasted over 15 years. 

The Metropolitan Police announced in a statement that the verdict was handed down to Mr Sobogun during his sentencing at the Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday. It noted that an extensive investigation by detectives led to the discovery of the non-recent sexual crimes.

“A man who subjected two young children to abuse over 15 years has been jailed following an investigation by Met detectives,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. 

Police alleged that the offences occurred between 1990s and early 2000s when the 61-year-old had multiple sexual intercourse with a girl aged13 at the time of the incident, as well as rape of a child, who were known to him.

“Anthony Adewale Sobogun, 61 (04.03.65), of Thistlewood Crescent, Croydon was sentenced to 28 years’ imprisonment at Inner London Crown Court today, Wednesday, 15 April. He had previously been found guilty of 17 non-recent sexual abuse offences against two children. 

“The offending includes multiple incidents of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13, as well as the rape of a child. Sobogun carried out his abuse during the 1990s and early 2000s. His victims were known to him,” the police disclosed. 

During investigation, one of the victims narrated to officers how Mr Sobogun had accompanied him to undergo an abortion after she got her pregnant with medical records later confirming the procedure indeed took place. 

Counseling records reviewed by detectives also unravelled cycle of sexual abuse the victim, who wasn’t named by authorities, suffered in the hands of Mr Sobogun, prompting police to arrest him in July 2025.

“While recounting her experience, one victim-survivor shared that Sobogun had accompanied her to an abortion clinic after she had fallen pregnant with his child.

“After hearing this, officers traced the medical records which showed the procedure had taken place. They also reviewed counselling notes which detailed the cycle of sexual abuse she had been subjected to,” the statement added. 

Subsequently, Mr Sobogun was charged with over a dozen sexual offences and was eventually found guilty of the crimes before being sent to almost 30 years prison terms on Wednesday. 

Speaking about the sentencing, Charlotte Lockyer, the detective constable, who led the case, said “The bravery of the victims in coming forward is what brought Sobogun to justice. It’s as a result of their courage in working with officers that this dangerous man has been jailed.

“Their bravery in the face of an abuser has stopped Sobogun from causing further harm to society. Today’s result shows that no matter when the abuse occurred, justice can still be secured.”

In their impact statement, the victims stated that their ordeal have been very traumatic, urging other victims of sexual abuse to speak up. 

“What has come to light is deeply distressing, but sadly, it is not an isolated situation. Abuse like this exists in many communities, often hidden by family, fear, silence, or stigma.“We want to be clear: it is never too late to come forward. 

“If you have experienced abuse, your voice matters, and you deserve to be heard, supported, and protected. We also want to highlight something that is often overlooked: people can present well, appear trustworthy, and still cause harm behind closed doors,” they said.