Nairaroot Blog

A Nigerian lawyer, Charles Ikenwe, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in Calgary, Canada.

Justice Marilyn Slawinsky dismissed Ikenwe’s claim that the encounter in his home, which occurred two years ago, was consensual. At the time, Ikenwe was an articling student, having moved to Canada with a law degree from Nigeria.

Defense counsel Eric Nelson-Addy argued that the victim fabricated the allegations after learning Ikenwe was married and that their encounter took place in the marital home. However, Justice Slawinsky noted that the woman did not even know Ikenwe’s last name or marital status when she reported the assault to a friend following the October 25, 2023 incident.

The victim, who works in the justice system, testified she had agreed to go to Ikenwe’s home but not for sexual purposes. She said she was forced to wait until an occupant of the residence—who she believed was part of a married couple Ikenwe lived with—left late that evening. The person leaving was, in fact, Ikenwe’s wife.

Slawinsky ruled that Ikenwe’s claim of a consensual encounter was not credible, and the evidence did not create reasonable doubt regarding the victim’s account. “I believe the complainant’s version of what occurred. She did not consent to the sexual activity,” the judge stated.

The court noted that the victim’s familiarity with the justice system made her aware that reporting such incidents is often difficult.

A presentence report has been ordered at the request of Nelson-Addy, and sentencing is scheduled for December 5, 2025. Ikenwe remains free pending sentencing.