Ex-Footballer Faces Eight Charges in Abuse Case

Former professional footballer Taiwo Leo Atieno, 39, has appeared in court facing eight charges, including assault, coercive control, harassment, and breaching a non-molestation order, related to his former relationship with Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan. The alleged abuse is said to have spanned more than a decade, involving control over Buchanan’s finances, personal grooming, eating habits, gym and shower access, television viewing, and multiple assaults requiring physiotherapy. Atieno is accused of breaching court orders by contacting Buchanan via email and online posts, and by requesting money. He was granted conditional bail, which requires him to surrender his passport, abide by a strict curfew, have no contact with Buchanan, and stay out of the London Borough of Barnet. Atieno has not entered pleas and is due to do so in August 2025, with a trial scheduled for April 2026. Buchanan reported the alleged conduct to police in December 2024 and described the relationship as oppressive and controlling.