Relationships can sometimes take a difficult turn, especially when one partner tries to control every aspect of the other’s life.
This is exactly what the singer Keisha Buchanan, known for her time with the Sugababes, alleges happened with her ex-boyfriend Taiwo Leo Atieno, a former professional footballer.
Now, his actions are under scrutiny in court as serious accusations come to light.
The Ex-Footballer Facing Harassment and Abuse Charges
Taiwo Leo Atieno, 39, who played for teams including Luton Town and even the Kenyan national team, appeared in court recently ahead of a trial scheduled for next year.
He stands accused of repeatedly harassing and controlling Keisha Buchanan between 2015 and 2018.
According to prosecutors, this control extended to all parts of her daily routine — from forbidding her to wear red lipstick to dictating when she could shower and what she ate.
Allegations of Physical Abuse and Control
The alleged abuse didn’t stop at psychological control.
Keisha claims there were three physical assaults during the relationship, one of which left her in such pain that she required physiotherapy to recover.
The courtroom heard details about how Atieno restricted her personal freedom, even controlling her finances and television viewing habits.
Bail Conditions Set with Strict Restrictions
Atieno was granted bail with a number of strict conditions.
He must surrender his passport, stay at his home address under a curfew from 9pm to 6am monitored by GPS, and avoid any contact with Keisha — whether in person, by email, or on social media.
A friend of his, Mark Taylor, put forward a £10,000 surety to support the bail agreement.
The ex-footballer appeared via videolink from prison and confirmed he understood these bail terms.
The Ongoing Impact of an Oppressive Relationship
Keisha, now 40, described to police how Atieno’s controlling behavior impacted her life deeply.
Prosecutors described the relationship as “oppressive and controlling,” emphasizing how he limited her independence for years.
Even after they separated, Atieno allegedly harassed her through repeated emails and demands for money, breaking court orders.
A Troubled History Going Back Over a Decade
The couple met back in 2006 and started dating five years later.
Keisha is well-known as a founding member of the Sugababes, a girl group that enjoyed massive success in the early 2000s with hits like “Push The Button” and “Round Round.”
Though the group disbanded in 2011, they reunited later on, maintaining their place in music history.
Courtroom Details Highlight Emotional Abuse
At a previous hearing, the prosecution painted a picture of long-term emotional abuse.
Atieno allegedly insulted Keisha over her appearance, calling her “trashy” and comparing her to a prostitute simply because she wore red lipstick.
This emotional bullying was part of a larger pattern of control that affected every area of her life.
Physical Assault Allegations Shock the Court
The court also heard descriptions of the alleged physical violence.
One attack reportedly took place in Atieno’s bedroom, causing Keisha sharp back pain, which she described as feeling like a kick.
Another alleged assault occurred in the front room of their home, adding further gravity to the accusations.
A Trial to Decide the Outcome Next Year
Atieno pleaded not guilty to all charges at a recent magistrates’ court hearing.
His full trial is set to last five days and will begin in April 2026 at Southwark Crown Court.
The court proceedings will delve into the details of the case and ultimately decide the truth behind these serious allegations.