Nigerian Lawyer Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting A Woman In Canada

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

Justice Marilyn Slawinsky rejected the evidence of Ikenwe that the sexual encounter he had with the woman in his home two years ago was consensual.

At the time, Ikenwe was working as an articling student after emigrating to Canada with a law degree from Nigeria.

The Court of King’s Bench judge rejected arguments from defence counsel Eric Nelson-Addy, that the victim made up allegations on how Ikenwe forced himself on her after she learned he was married and they had sex in the couple’s matrimonial home.

But Slawinsky noted the woman didn’t even know Ikenwe’s last name, let alone his marital status, when she raised the issue of being sexually assaulted with her best friend following the October 25, 2023 encounter.

The victim, who works in the justice system, testified she agreed to go to Ikenwe’s home, but not for the purpose of a sexual encounter.

She was forced to wait until an occupant of the residence, whom she was told was the husband of a married couple Ikenwe was living with, left late in the evening.

As it turned out, Slawinsky noted, the person leaving the home was Ikenwe’s wife.

The judge said Ikenwe’s claim the subsequent sexual encounter was consensual wasn’t believable and it didn’t raise a reasonable doubt in her mind the victim was complicit.

“I believe the complainant’s version of what occurred,” Slawinsky said.

She did not consent to the sexual activity.”

The judge noted the victim’s familiarity with the justice system made her aware such complaints are often difficult to prove in court.

At Nelson-Addy’s request, Slawinsky ordered a presentence report on his client, who remains at liberty. 

A sentencing date will be set on Friday, December 5, 2025.