Najeebullah Arab pleaded guilty to all offences this week (Image: Thames Valley Police)
An Afghan migrant has pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping a woman days after committing a separate sexual assault near a historic UK city. Najeebullah Arab, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, was charged with the sexual assault of a woman in her late 20s on Cane Lane, Grove, on January 21, 2026, during a court appearance this week. He was also charged with the sexual assault, rape and kidnapping of a different woman in her late teens in Wantage, near Oxford, on January 27.
Oxfordshire Crown Court heard that the 39-year-old approached the woman and spoke briefly to her before assaulting her and dragging her to a nearby area, where she was raped. Arab pleaded guilty to all offences despite initially entering a not guilty plea to the kidnapping charges.
The kidnapping and rape offences were committed in Wantage, around 15 miles southwest of Oxford (Image: Getty)
The Afghan national, who did not self-define his ethnicity, was arrested on January 30 and charged on February 1.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May said: “Firstly, I want to acknowledge the victims in this case for the incredible courage they’ve shown in coming forward.
“Thames Valley Police takes reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, especially those involving violence against women and girls.
“Our officers are committed to carrying out thorough investigations, supporting victims every step of the way, and working closely with our partners to help prevent further harm.”
DCI May added: “The guilty plea in this case is a clear reflection of the strength and thoroughness of the evidence gathered by our officers in relation to these offences.
“Faced with the weight of that evidence, he had no option but to admit what he had done.
“We remain absolutely committed to protecting the public and ensuring offenders like Arab are brought to justice.”
Arab will be sentenced at Oxfordshire Crown Court at a later date.
