Benjamin Katabana, a 28-year-old former child refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years for the murder of Uchenna Okirie, a 33-year-old former University of East Anglia (UEA) postgraduate student. The fatal stabbing occurred in the corridor of Somerleyton House, a student accommodation block in Norwich's Golden Triangle, following a dispute over money.
Judge Anthony Bate, sitting at Norwich Crown Court, handed down the sentence on Friday, 7 August, after a jury found Katabana guilty of murder. The verdict was reached in under six hours following a trial in which Katabana had admitted manslaughter but denied murder. The judge described the attack as a "wicked act of violence" that cut short the life of a "much loved and talented brother and son."
Attack captured on CCTV
The court heard that Katabana lured Okirie out of his flat using a series of provocative WhatsApp messages before launching the assault shortly after 5am on 22 November last year. CCTV footage from within the accommodation block showed Katabana delivering an initial stab to his victim, followed by a sustained attack that included kicking Okirie in the head after he had collapsed on the floor.
Judge Bate stated: "You drew a knife and stabbed him in the back so deep as to penetrate his aorta. You kicked and stamped on his head after he collapsed on the floor mortally wounded." The judge noted that while it was unclear whether Katabana had brought the knife to the scene, it was "plain" that he had "intended to kill."
Victim described as 'remarkable young man'
Uchenna Okirie, known affectionately as 'Common Man', was born in Nigeria and graduated with a degree in Economics before working as an auditor. He later moved to the UK to pursue further studies, completing an MSc in Development Economics at UEA's School of International Development in 2022. His sister, Esther Okirie, joined the sentencing hearing remotely from Nigeria, where a victim impact statement was read aloud on behalf of her and her sister Tina.
The statement portrayed Okirie as an "extraordinary human being" who was "deeply loved and cherished" by all around him. It noted his remarkable ability to connect with people from all backgrounds, his passion for music and dancing, and his infectious optimism. The statement added: "Uche's death is not merely the loss of a family member; it is the loss of a compassionate soul, a peaceful young man full of dreams, purpose, love, and hope for humanity."
Emergency response and arrest
The assault proved "rapidly fatal" despite the efforts of an air ambulance doctor who responded after fellow residents discovered Okirie in the hallway at 5.31am and summoned emergency services. The court heard that "life-saving efforts were futile" and Okirie was pronounced dead at the scene.
Katabana, wearing a blood-stained yellow hoodie, left the flats near Unthank Road and headed towards the city centre. He disposed of the weapon and placed the hoodie in a marketplace bin. However, realising he "had nowhere to go," he contacted police shortly before 6am, declaring: "I've killed someone, I think." He informed officers of Okirie's location and was apprehended. During police questioning, Katabana gave no comment responses and chose not to testify at trial.
Background and mitigation
Katabana arrived in the UK as a child refugee after his family fled the conflict-torn Goma region in eastern DRC. He came to Norwich via the Gateway Protection Programme, a government initiative that provided a legal pathway for up to 750 refugees to resettle in the UK annually. He was an accomplished basketball player and completed an apprenticeship following his education in Norwich.
Stephen Rose KC, representing Katabana, said his client had "expressed remorse" on numerous occasions and had "handed himself in" and "taken responsibility for what he had done." However, the court also heard that Katabana had allegedly attacked officers at Knox Road prison and had been escorted by prison staff in riot gear during a previous video link appearance. Prosecutor Andrew Jackson informed the court of an incident on 21 July in which a "prison officer came to be injured," highlighting Katabana's tendency towards anger and his habit of "resolving matters through violence."
Sentencing and reaction
Judge Bate described Okirie as "entitled to feel safe" within the accommodation block he had called home, adding that he was "taken by surprise and quickly overwhelmed in this brutal attack." Katabana appeared via videolink from Norwich Prison during the sentencing, which was a resumption of a hearing that had begun the previous Friday.
Senior Investigating Officer Det Insp Alix Wright said: "Uche was a graduate of the University of East Anglia who came to the UK seeking a better life. He did not deserve to lose his life in such a violent and unprovoked attack. While nothing can ever make up for his death, we hope today's sentence provides some measure of justice for his family and loved ones. Our thoughts remain with them as they continue to come to terms with their loss."
Fundraiser for repatriation
A GoFundMe page was established to assist Okirie's family with repatriating his body to Nigeria. The fundraiser generated more than £1,864 towards the repatriation expenses. The page, created in loving memory of Uchenna "Common Man" Okirie, described him as "a remarkable soul, steady, genuine, and deeply compassionate." His family expressed that his passing "has left us devastated" and that they were "working together to honour him with dignity."
