Security Guard Jailed for Raping Woman in Mini-Cab Trap
Sola Austin Warikwah, 39, from Albyn Road, SE8, has been locked up for seven years after being found guilty of rape at Southwark Crown Court on 17 December. He was also slapped with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and banned for life on the sex offenders register.
Victim Tricked into Car, Raped in Multi-Storey Car Park
The shocking attack happened in the early hours of 22 April 2019. The 25-year-old victim got into Warikwah’s car at Embankment, thinking it was her booked mini-cab home. Instead, Warikwah drove her to a multi-storey car park in Victoria — a usual patrol spot on his night security guard route — and raped her.
Brave Victim Sends SOS Messages and Snaps Attacker
During the nightmare, the woman sent desperate text messages to a friend:
- “I’ve been raped.”
- “I feel sick. This taxi won’t take me home.”
- “I’m scared.”
When she escaped, she didn’t stop there — she snapped photos of Warikwah as he fled, giving detectives vital clues.
Swift Police Hunt Brings Predatory Offender to Justice
Westminster detectives launched a rapid investigation, analysing CCTV, phone data, and vehicle records. They tracked down Warikwah and arrested him at his home two days later.
“Sola Austin Warikwah is a predatory sex offender who targeted a vulnerable, unsuspecting woman travelling alone,” said Det Sgt John Paton of the Westminster Sapphire Team.
“Thanks to the victim’s courage, public help, and solid police work, a dangerous man is now off the streets.”
“I hope this sentence encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward.”
