JAMA ABDULLAHI AND BADRYDEN SAEED FROM LONDON SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN IPSWICH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ipswich, two men and a teenage boy from London have been sentenced to a combined total of 16 years in prison after a young girl was held against her will and subjected to sexual assault. The incident, which took place in Ipswich, has brought to light serious concerns about safety and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

On Wednesday, 26 February, Jama Abdullahi, aged 23, residing on Camel Road in London, along with Badrdyen Saeed, aged 20, also from Camel Road, London, and a 17-year-old boy, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court. All three defendants had previously been found guilty during a hearing in January. Abdullahi, who was convicted of both rape and false imprisonment, received a sentence of eight years behind bars. Saeed, similarly convicted of rape and false imprisonment, was also sentenced to eight years in prison. The 17-year-old boy, who was found guilty of false imprisonment, received a different set of penalties, including an 18-month rehabilitation order, a six-month supervision order, and a 13-week curfew, reflecting his lesser degree of involvement.

The court proceedings revealed the harrowing details of the assault. The victim, a 16-year-old girl, had traveled to a flat on Foxhall Road in Ipswich around 2 pm on Sunday, 30 June 2013. She had been in contact with the three suspects through text messages and had agreed to meet them. Upon her arrival, she was led into a rear room by the 17-year-old boy, who then informed her that one or more of his friends wanted to have sex with her. The girl clearly expressed her unwillingness to engage in any sexual activity. Despite her protests, the boy left the room, locking the door behind him.

Shortly afterward, Badrdyen Saeed entered the room and proceeded to orally rape the girl. When he left, he also locked the door. Not long after, Jama Abdullahi entered the same room and forced her to perform oral sex against her will. After the assault, Abdullahi allowed her to leave the flat. The girl managed to make her way home and immediately contacted the police to report the incident. That very evening, law enforcement officers responded to the address on Foxhall Road, where they arrested Saeed, Abdullahi, and the 17-year-old boy.

All three suspects were taken into custody and brought before the court. Their guilt was confirmed on 28 January, and their sentences were finalized during the hearing on 26 February. Detective Constable Annabel Hicks, who led the investigation, emphasized the gravity of the case. She stated, “Abdullahi, Saeed, and the 17-year-old had come to Ipswich from London and set up a drug den at the address in Foxhall Road. They preyed on their victim, luring her to the flat by sending her text messages. On the day in question, she came to the flat and made it clear that she had no intention of having sex with anyone, but was held against her will and orally raped by the two men.”

Detective Hicks praised the victim’s bravery, noting, “The girl was incredibly brave to contact the police the same day and was able to identify the flat so we were able to make the arrests that evening. I hope the sentencing today will provide some comfort to the victim and will also give others the confidence to come forward and report incidents such as this.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Bacon, who oversees the Suffolk Police Gemini Team dedicated to investigating sexual offenses, also commented on the case. He said, “Today’s sentencing has come at the end of a detailed and thorough enquiry not only carried out by the Gemini Team but also supported by response and CID officers involved in the arrests and investigation. Sexual offences are always taken seriously by Suffolk Police, and I echo DC Hicks’ sentiments; I hope that the sentencing will reassure the public about our commitment to justice and encourage victims to come forward if they have experienced similar crimes.”