In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that a nationwide manhunt is underway for Jonas Amogbokpa, then 55, who fled midway through his trial for kidnapping and rape. On Thursday, 12 February 2026, the defendant failed to return to Woolwich Crown Court, claiming to his legal representative that he was ill. It was reported that when police arrived at his home, they found the door open and Amogbokpa missing. Despite his disappearance, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict in his absence.
The investigation established that in August 2024, Amogbokpa targeted a stranger walking home in Lewisham, South East London. The Metropolitan Police reported that he kidnapped the woman in his car before carrying out a sexual assault. The prosecution reported that Amogbokpa had given evidence on Wednesday, 11 February, but chose to escape justice the following day as the weight of the evidence against him became apparent.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Amogbokpa’s decision to flee was a calculated attempt to avoid the consequences of his predatory actions. Woolwich Crown Court heard that the defendant had not been held on remand during the trial, allowing him to disappear while the jury deliberated. The prosecution reported that a source close to the case believes the defendant realized the evidence was not in his favor and chose to hide out somewhere on the streets of South London.
The Trial Judge issued an immediate arrest warrant and described Amogbokpa as a significant danger to the public. For his actions in Lewisham, he was convicted of rape and kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offence. The judge noted that the severity of the crimes and the defendant’s escape necessitate an urgent public appeal to ensure he is apprehended and brought back to court for sentencing.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes and escape reported in England, the following details are active:
- Status: Fugitive / Wanted for arrest (March 2026).
- Conviction: Rape and kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offence.
- Incident Location: Lewisham, South East London (August 2024).
- Court Location: Woolwich Crown Court (February 2026).
- Judicial Oversight: Bench warrant issued; described as a danger to the public.
- Investigative Agency: Metropolitan Police Service.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Amogbokpa is the subject of an intensive search by the Metropolitan Police. Due to the nature of the stranger rape and kidnapping in Lewisham, his status is a high priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that he is likely hiding in South London or the surrounding areas and should be considered dangerous.
As a convicted rapist, Amogbokpa’s eventual apprehension will trigger immediate placement on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Authorities state that his history of kidnapping a stranger in Lewisham necessitates permanent and stringent monitoring once he is back in custody. Anyone with information regarding his current location is urged to contact the police on 101 or provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
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