Six-week suspended sentence sparks outrage after horrifying abuse of elderly man days before his death

A Nigerian-born carer, Bilikesu Olagunju, 42, has been handed a six-week suspended sentence after being caught on CCTV violently abusing an 88-year-old dementia patient in his home in Bexley, south-east London — just one day before he was found unconscious and never woke up again.

Olagunju, a UK-based caregiver employed by Unique Personnel, was filmed dragging, threatening, and verbally humiliating the elderly man, John Attard, during a care visit on Christmas Eve 2022 — only six days into her job. The footage, secretly captured by the victim’s son, triggered a police investigation and court proceedings that have now ended in controversy.

Abuse Caught on Camera

The disturbing footage showed Olagunju shouting at the frail pensioner, threatening to “beat you up,” and forcefully dragging him by his arm and collar. She stripped him naked without drawing the curtains, poured marmalade into his coffee despite his diabetes, and ignored his cries of pain.

” she was heard saying.

The following morning, Christmas Day, the 88-year-old was found unresponsive with blood on his face. He was rushed to the hospital but passed away 10 days later. Though a post-mortem could not conclusively link the abuse to his death, the family believes the trauma contributed significantly.

The Verdict That Sparked Anger

Olagunju pleaded guilty to one count of ill-treatment or wilful neglect of a person lacking mental capacity. At Woolwich Crown Court, Judge Charlotte Welsh sentenced her to six weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, along with 50 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activities.

John’s son, Christopher Attard, who had installed the cameras that captured the abuse, described the outcome as a “slight insult.”


He said his family will now turn their focus to Unique Personnel, the agency that assigned Olagunju on her first day as a carer, suggesting they bear just as much responsibility.

The Courtroom Drama

Olagunju initially appeared in court without a barrister, causing delays. Judge Welsh advised her to seek representation, warning that the offence was serious. During sentencing, the judge acknowledged Olagunju’s lack of training but said this didn’t excuse the cruel, degrading and dangerous treatment of a vulnerable man.

“Yes, he was confused and slow to react. But that is exactly why he needed a carer,” the judge said.

A Broken System or Individual Failing?

Olagunju’s defence argued that she was undertrained, newly arrived in the UK, and dealing with such a vulnerable client for the first time. But the court heard she had chosen to ignore instructions to call an ambulance, choosing instead to drag and throw Mr. Attard into a chair.

The case raises serious questions about care worker recruitment, vetting standards, and the duty of care owed by agencies, especially those staffing carers from abroad who may not be adequately prepared for the emotional and physical complexities of elder care in the UK.

A Wake-Up Call for the Diaspora

For many in the Nigerian community in the UK, the story has hit hard — not just because Olagunju is Nigerian, but because she may have tarnished the reputation of countless honest, hardworking Nigerians serving in the UK’s stretched care sector.

“This kind of behaviour does not represent who we are,” said a Nigerian elder in south-east London. “We came here to help, to serve, and to build trust.”

The case has reopened long-standing concerns about support, training, and emotional readiness for new immigrants who enter care work out of economic necessity — often with minimal training and support from agencies.

Community Reaction

The #JapaForum community has begun to weigh in online, with many Nigerians expressing anger not just at the individual, but at a care system that may enable such abuse.

Some members are now calling for tighter regulations, better background checks, and culturally sensitive training modules for immigrants working with the elderly.

“The blame is shared — both on her and the agency,” one commenter wrote. “You can’t throw an untrained person into care and expect miracles.”

Looking Ahead

The sentencing may be over, but the wounds run deep. Christopher Attard, though disheartened by the court’s leniency, says he hopes the case will spark reforms in the UK care system — and send a message that vulnerable lives matter, regardless of age, race, or condition.

“It’s not just about my dad. It’s about making sure this never happens again.”

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Have Your Say

What do you think about the sentence? Should Bilikesu Olagunju have received jail time?
Is the care agency equally responsible?
Share your thoughts on JapaForum.com – where Nigerians abroad connect, discuss and hold systems accountable.

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