GHOLAHUN SHITTU FROM SOUTHWARK JAILED FOR RAPE OF 13-YEAR-OLD IN DULWICH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Southwark community, Gholahun Shittu, a 24-year-old man from the London borough, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of raping a 13-year-old girl. The incident unfolded after Shittu established an online connection with the young girl through Facebook, engaging her in numerous conversations that gradually built a sense of familiarity and trust.

According to court reports, Shittu used the online platform to communicate with the girl, during which he fabricated stories and manipulated her into believing he had financial resources to offer. His intentions became more sinister when he persuaded her to meet him in person, promising her money and other incentives. The girl, who was still a minor, agreed to meet him in February, accompanied by a school friend, in the Dulwich area of Southwark.

However, the situation took a dark turn when Shittu lured the girl away from her friend and took her to a community centre alone. It was there that he committed the heinous act of sexual assault, raping her in a betrayal of trust that has left the community reeling. The girl’s innocence was shattered in that moment, and her ordeal has sparked widespread concern about online safety and the exploitation of minors.

Shittu was swiftly arrested in May following police investigations. His arrest was part of a broader effort to clamp down on online grooming and sexual offences against minors. After two separate trials, he was found guilty of the charges in November, with the court condemning his actions and sentencing him to eight years behind bars. The case underscores the dangers posed by online predators and highlights the importance of vigilance among parents, guardians, and young people alike.