- Four Nigerian students from De Montfort University, UK were sentenced for their role in a violent altercation
- The altercation, which occurred in the early hours of November 4, 2021, involved weapons including a knife and baseball bat
- Sentences ranged from two to seven years in prison, with a fifth defendant awaiting sentencing
Four Nigerian students based in Leicester have been sentenced to varying years of imprisonment after being convicted of violent disorder. The convictions stemmed from their involvement in an incident that occurred in November 2021.
The four suspects were sentenced in connection with the violent incident on Thursday, November 14, 2024, following a thorough investigation and a six-week trial that ended in October.
Nigerian students sentenced after violent altercation
“This incident demonstrates the extreme dangers of violent disorder.
“It is fortunate that no further injuries were caused to those involved or to the public. This could have easily turned into a far more serious situation,” Detective Constable Sean Downey, who led the investigation stated.
Leicester City police indicated that an extensive investigation into the students' behaviour during the incident led to their conviction. As stated in a report on their website, the incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, November 4, 2021, was marked by a violent altercation involving knives and a baseball bat.
According to the police, an 18-year-old man was left with stab wounds and required medical attention after being attacked during the altercation. Following the suspects’ escape, a comprehensive investigation was launched, involving the analysis of CCTV, phone records, and public calls for assistance.
“Thanks to the combined efforts of our team, including CCTV analysis, phone data, and public assistance, we were able to identify the suspects and secure convictions,” Sean Downey stated.
Destiny Ojo, 21, one of the convicts, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Habib Lawal, 21, the second individual convicted, received a five-year prison sentence after his conviction for violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.
The third convict, 21-year-old Ridwanulahi Raheem, received a three-year prison sentence after being found guilty of violent disorder and carrying a bladed article.
Joshua Davies-Ero, 21, was sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of violent disorder.
The report also mentioned that a fifth defendant, Justin Asamoah, 22, had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and is set to be sentenced on Friday, November 22.
The defendants were all said to be attending De Montfort University in Leicester at the time of the attack.
Verbal dispute escalates to violent confrontation with weapons
The violent altercation took place in Leicester city centre early on the morning of November 4, 2021, involving four individuals: Ojo, Lawal, Raheem, and Davies-Ero who had been socialising together according to the Police report.
The incident occurred around 3:00 AM when the group encountered another party on New Park Street. What began as a verbal disagreement quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. During the altercation, the defendants armed themselves with various weapons.
Surveillance footage from the area showed the men wielding different items: Davies-Ero with a crutch, Ojo with a baseball bat, Lawal with a knife, and Raheem carrying a large knife.
The fight intensified, resulting in one of the men from the opposing group being repeatedly stabbed.
“We appreciate the support from the community and will continue to work hard to ensure our streets remain safe from violence.” Detective Constable Sean Downey concluded.
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