No fewer than four students of Nigerian descent have been sentenced in the United Kingdom for their involvement in a violent altercation involving knives and a baseball bat in Leicester.
Reports said that the incident which occurred on New Park Street on November 4, 2021, left an 18-year-old man with multiple stab wounds requiring hospital treatment.
The students, after a complex investigation involving CCTV analysis, phone tracking, and public appeals, were identified and charged.
A six-week trial concluded in October, with the following sentences handed down on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
According to a report published on the police website last Thursday, 21-year-old Destiny Ojo of Plumstead in London was sentenced to seven years for violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH), and GBH with intent.
Habib Lawal, 21, of Bexley in London was sentenced to five years for violent disorder, attempted GBH, and GBH with intent.
21-year-old Ridwanulahi Raheem of Lambeth in London was sentenced to three years for violent disorder and possession of a bladed article, while 21-year-old Joshua Davies-Ero of Bexley in London was sentenced to two years for violent disorder.
The fifth defendant, Justin Asamoah, 22, of Merton, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and will be sentenced on November 22.
Speaking on the incident, Leicester Police officer, Detective Constable Sean Downey, said: “This incident highlights the serious danger of violent disorder.
“It is extremely fortunate that further injury was not caused to the people involved or to other members of the public who witnessed the incident.
“This could have been a very different investigation.
“Thank you to everyone who assisted us throughout this investigation. As a force, our priority is to keep the public safe.
“We will not tolerate violent disorder in our communities and will take action against those responsible.”
