A security guard working at Heaven nightclub in London has been cleared of raping a 19-year-old woman after a jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict at Southwark Crown Court.
Jury Reaches Unanimous Verdict
Morenikeji Adewole, 47, of Dartford, Kent, was acquitted of rape and attempted rape following around six-and-a-half hours of jury deliberation on Friday (May 30).
The prosecution alleged that Adewole raped the complainant in the back seat of his Lexus during the early hours of November 1, 2024, after she was denied entry to the club for being too intoxicated.
Instead of turning her away entirely, Adewole is said to have walked the woman away from the entrance and picked her up in his car before driving her to Adelphi Terrace, a side street near the club.
Court Hears of Drunken Encounter
During the trial, the jury was told the complainant had been drinking while queueing for a Halloween-themed event at the iconic LGBTQ+ nightclub, which has operated in Charing Cross for over 40 years.
Adewole admitted to sexual contact but denied penetrative intercourse. He claimed the woman initially told him she was 25 years old, but upon learning she was actually 19, he “stopped immediately”.
The woman had alleged she was too drunk to consent.
Judge Issues Sharp Rebuke Despite Acquittal
While not guilty on the most serious charges, Judge Martin Griffith condemned Adewole’s behaviour:
“Your job was to take care of them [club attendees]. Your response to that was to go off in a car with her because your brain was driven by your groin. You should be absolutely ashamed.”
Adewole cried in the dock as the verdict was read out.
Illegal Employment Revealed
The trial further revealed that Adewole used a fake identity—working at Heaven nightclub under the name Olusola Julius Alabi—and was residing in the UK on a five-year tourist visa, which prohibited employment.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of an identification document with improper intention. For these charges, the judge imposed concurrent six-month custodial sentences, already served during remand.
A victim surcharge will be calculated in due course.
Venue Temporarily Closed
Following the allegations, Westminster City Council temporarily closed Heaven nightclub on public safety grounds, pending further review.
