A UK court has sentenced a 35-year-old Nigerian national, Goodness Sokoh, to 21 years in prison following a comprehensive investigation into online grooming and multiple child safety offences.
Sokoh, residing in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, utilized a social media application under an alias to communicate with four teenage girls between October and December 2025, subsequently luring them into his vehicle by offering incentives.
According to the Thames Valley Police, the physical meetings took place in Pitstone, Buckinghamshire. Following a full trial, Sokoh was found guilty of multiple counts of serious felony assault, unlawful exploitation, and endangering minors.
During the sentencing proceeding at Amersham Law Court, Judge Catherine Tulk strongly condemned the convict’s actions, telling Sokoh: “You were grooming them so that they would trust you and put themselves into danger. You thought you could do with them whatever you wanted. Not one of them wanted to have any activity with you.”
Judge Tulk added that his actions were “clear evidence of grooming” and that he had “exploited their age and vulnerability”.
The court also heard statements from the victims’ families detailing the profound psychological and emotional distress the ordeal caused the teenagers, including severe anxiety, disruption to their education, and a loss of personal safety.
Sokoh was initially apprehended by law enforcement on December 17, 2025. Under the terms of the judicial ruling, he must serve at least two-thirds of his 21-year custodial sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Additionally, the court placed him permanently on the register of offenders and issued a lifetime restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victims.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Natalie Palmer of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit praised the young victims, stating: “I would like to thank the victims for the strength, courage and resilience they have shown throughout this lengthy investigation and trial. Throughout the process, the girls demonstrated incredible bravery. Despite everything they had experienced, they remained committed to helping the investigation and seeking justice. While I know this outcome does not mark the end of their journey, I hope it brings some reassurance that their voices have been heard and that they have been listened to by the criminal justice system.”
Authorities have emphasized their ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, while urging anyone with additional information relevant to the case to contact local law enforcement agencies.
