Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan’s footballer ex-partner has been accused of waging a ten-year ‘campaign of terror and abuse’ against the popstar including beating her and even banning her from wearing red lipstick, a court heard today.
Taiwo Leo Atieno, 39, who played for Kenya and Luton Town, is alleged to have grabbed the 40-year-old around the neck, punched her on the arm and struck her on the back during three assaults.
Keisha claims that he controlled her finances and her daily life including when she could shower or go to the gym, her eating habits and what she could watch on TV and when.
Atieno began a relationship with the founding Sugababe in 2011. The alleged abuse took place between 2015 and 2018 including a diktat that he ‘did not allow her to wear red lipstick’, the charges say. He allegedly also contacted the singer demanding £25,000, the court heard.
One assault allegedly saw Ms Buchanan experience a sharp pain in her lower back, which she described as feeling like a kick.
He is also alleged to have controlled her letters and finances, as well as how she presented herself and what she was allowed to eat.
He has also been accused of harassing the star after their relationship and alleged breaches of a court order banning him from contacting her.
Prosecutor Edward Kalber told Willesden Magistrates’ Court today: ‘The offending is severe in its nature and has caused […] problems for the defendant, both psychological and physical.
Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan, pictured here at the O2 Arena in London last night to watch Usher, was allegedly stopped abused during her relationship with Taiwo Leo Atieno
The couple, pictured together, were an item for seven years after getting together in 2011. The relationship ended in 2018 after three years of alleged abuse
The singer, pictured here performing at T in the Park in 2003, was allegedly stopped from wearing red lipstick by Atieno
‘The complainant states that while she lived with the defendant she wasn’t allowed to open her own letters or sort out her finances.
‘The complainant would have to ask for money whenever she wanted it.
‘The defendant would get annoyed if the complainant wore red lipstick. He berated her and called her trashy, and told her she looked like a prostitute whenever she wore this.’
Mr Kalber added: ‘This then fed into her dietary issues, due to the defendant controlling what she was allowed to eat.’
Atieno allegedly carried out three assaults on Ms Buchanan, two in the defendant’s bedroom and one in the front room.
One assault allegedly saw Ms Buchanan experience a sharp pain in her lower back, which she described as feeling like a kick. The singer had to undergo physiotherapy as a result of the abuse, it is alleged.
The singer claims Atieno controlled her use of the shower while they were living together and only allowed her to use the gym ‘at certain times’, the court heard.
After being blocked from contacting her in any way, the footballer allegedly sent Ms Buchanan emails, and is accused of harassment over the course of three years.
Taiwo Atieno, 39, who played for Kenya and Luton Town, pleaded not guilty to all charges against him
Keisha Buchanan seen performing with Amelle Berrabah and Heidi Range at a concert in Hammersmith, London, in 2006
Keisha Buchanan pictured centre with fellow Sugababes founders Mutya Buena (left) and Siobhan Donaghy (right) at the BRIT Awards 2025
Atieno, of Kennington, southwest London, is currently in custody.
Mr Kalber, prosecuting, said: ‘This defendant has conducted a campaign of terror and abuse to this complainant for over 10 years. The Crown strongly opposes the defendant’s bail.’
Atieno pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
Eli Belegu, defending, said the pair met at a friend’s birthday party in 2006, according to the defendant. They began dating in 2011.
Ms Belegu told the court that Atieno denies violence and never breached a court order.
She added that the footballer worked as Ms Buchanan’s business manager, and said he never took over her bank accounts.
‘This is absolutely misleading as far as he is concerned,’ she said.
‘He denies that she ever had to ask him for money. The defendant is not a flight risk. The defendant has no intention of leaving the country and will attend further hearings.
Ms Buchanan, pictured here performing in Hyde Park in 2004, first rose to fame as a member of girl group Sugababes before having a successful solo career and then reuniting with her former bandmates
Ms Buchanan pictured with fellow Sugababes bandmates Mutya Buena (right) and Heidi Range (left) at the UK Online Music Awards in 2001
‘The defendant is not at risk of committing further offences.’
Deputy District Judge Clare Boichot said she was not prepared to grant bail.
The case will continue at Harrow Crown Court on June 5.
Ms Buchanan was one of three singers to found the Sugababes alongside Mutya Buena and Siobhan Dohaghy.
The band, which split up in 2011, achieved songs at the top of the charts including Push the Button and Round Round.
