From Nigeria to UK Prison: Nigerian Nurse Faces 17-Year Sentence
Published: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 09:01 PM BST
LAGOS, Nigeria – The story of Tolu, a hardworking Nigerian mental health nurse, has touched the hearts of many across the globe, especially within the Nigerian nursing community. This emotional tale, shared live on YouTube by the Lunch Club, reveals a journey of hope, love, betrayal, and a looming 17-year prison sentence in the United Kingdom. As Fellow Nurses Africa, we bring you this detailed account to shed light on the struggles of our brothers and sisters serving abroad, urging compassion and support for Tolu during this difficult time.
A Dream Born from Hard Work
Tolu’s story begins in Nigeria, where he grew up with big dreams for himself and his family. Six years ago, he left his homeland as a student, selling treasured family items to pay for his education in the UK. With determination, he completed a master’s degree and trained to become a mental health nurse—a role he took up with joy and commitment. But the path was not easy. Registering with UK professional bodies proved challenging, and passing the English language test felt like a mountain to climb. Despite these hurdles, Tolu pressed on, showing the resilience that defines many Nigerian nurses.
A Love Story Turns Sour
Tolu’s life took a new turn when he met a British woman, a single mother with two children whose fathers were no longer in the picture. He stepped in with kindness, caring for her children as if they were his own. Soon, they had a child together, filling Tolu’s heart with hope. But this happiness was short-lived. Their relationship was troubled from the start. The woman sometimes used hurtful racial words against Tolu, which he tried to ignore because she was carrying his child. They argued often, especially about how to raise the children, as Tolu wanted to teach them discipline while she disagreed.
Feeling the strain, Tolu decided to move out but fought legally to have his name added to his child’s birth certificate. A DNA test proved he was the father, and a court agreed to his request. Around this time, his career brightened—he passed his English test and got a nursing job with sponsorship, securing his place in the UK. But personal troubles were far from over.
Tolu and the woman tried to reconcile after she reached out with a video call, appearing vulnerable and asking to restart their relationship. He shared this with his Nigerian and African friends, who advised him to be careful. Sadly, Tolu made a mistake by sharing those private talks with her, causing his friends to step back, worried their words might be exposed too. Later, she moved into his home with her three children, claiming she was pregnant again. Tolu planned to start a children’s home business but refused to make her a director, explaining she lacked the needed skills. This led to more arguments, with racial slurs resurfacing.
A Devastating Turn
The situation took a heartbreaking turn when the woman accused Tolu of rape. He was arrested at his workplace, a place where he had worked to heal others. His job was suspended, and he was barred from entering his own home, where she and the children now live. Unable to work, Tolu faces a court hearing in February 2026, with the possibility of spending 17 years in prison hanging over him. He speaks of this as a “spiritual attack,” a phrase that resonates deeply with many who know his faith and gentle nature.
A Community Stands in Shock
The Lunch Club’s YouTube Live session brought Tolu’s story to life, with viewers moved to tears as they heard his voice and saw his pain. The Nigerian community in the UK and beyond is in disbelief. Nurses and friends see this as a warning about the risks of cultural misunderstandings and the challenges immigrant workers face. Tolu’s isolation grew when his friends pulled away, leaving him to face this alone. Yet, his story has sparked a wave of support, with many calling for fairness and understanding.
A Plea for Humanity
At Fellow Nurses Africa, we feel Tolu’s pain as if it were our own. His journey from Nigeria to the UK, filled with sacrifice and love, should not end in such despair. This story reminds us of the strength in our nursing community and the need to stand by one another. As he awaits his day in court, we ask for prayers, support, and awareness. Tolu’s dedication to his profession and family deserves recognition, not a prison cell.
Stay updated on Tolu’s case by following Fellow Nurses Africa. Share this story to highlight the struggles of Nigerian nurses in the UK, and let us come together in solidarity to support one of our own.
Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support the nursing profession.
