A man described by prosecutors as "obsessed" and "bitter" following the end of a relationship has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his former partner in Nottingham. Adedapo Adegbola, aged 40, pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing 23-year-old Stephanie 'Steph' Irons at her flat on Westdale Lane West in Mapperley on October 21, 2025.
Court Hears Details of Tragic Attack
Nottingham Crown Court heard how Adegbola forced his way into Stephanie's home during the evening of October 21st after arriving by taxi. Prosecutors detailed how he was captured on CCTV leaving the property at 7.39pm, having locked the door behind him and taken Stephanie's keys and phone. The young woman was discovered by police with multiple stab wounds in her living room after concerned colleagues alerted authorities about worrying messages she had sent earlier that evening.
Bloody Evidence Left at Scene
Forensic evidence played a crucial role in the investigation, with Adegbola leaving behind bloody footprints at the crime scene. Police also discovered blood-stained trainers and a jumper discarded on streets in both Mapperley and Carlton areas. Prosecutor Peter Joyce KC told the court: "It is quite plain after killing her he must have sat on the sofa as his footprints were in the blood. It's the prosecution's case that he was obsessed with this woman and could and would not accept this relationship was over."
Sentencing and Judicial Comments
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court, Adegbola, of Woodborough Road in Mapperley, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years before parole consideration. Judge Nirmal Shant KC stated that Adegbola killed Stephanie "because she attempted to end the relationship," adding: "You had been in a short relationship and your controlling behaviour led her to end the relationship and what is plain is that you were not prepared to accept that. Those around you were concerned about your obsession and you clearly planned the killing."
Defence and Remorse Claims
Defence barrister Richard Thatcher acknowledged his client's actions while claiming genuine remorse: "In surrendering himself to the police he accepted what he had done. The remorse is genuine, some have said his tears were for himself, but he has demonstrated to me the sorrow he feels for Stephanie's mother." Adegbola had handed himself in at Oxclose Police Station the day after the murder.
Family's Heartbreaking Impact Statements
Stephanie's mother, Donna Fox, delivered a powerful victim impact statement in court, describing her daughter as "my world and best friend" who "lit up a room." She told the court: "I have no words to say about how I lost her in such a horrific way. The pain is all-consuming, I have the same nightmare over and over and I feel sick at the thought of never seeing her again."
Stephanie's step-father, James, spoke of their "unimaginable" pain, saying: "Steph had a caring nature she was loved so much for who she was. How could someone do this to Steph? I went into a tailspin of grief and pain." The family described Stephanie as a "bright young star" with "an infectious smile and laugh" who had hoped to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist after completing her psychology degrees.
Additional Suspect Charged
Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that a second individual has been charged in connection with the investigation. Mary Onolunosen, 40, of Leeming Street in Mansfield, faces charges of assisting an offender and is scheduled to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on March 6.
The case has highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic violence and controlling relationships, with the judge noting the "profound" devastation caused to Stephanie's family, friends, and community. The sentencing brings some measure of justice for a life tragically cut short, though family members acknowledged their grief would be "everlasting."
