Congolese man jailed for life after fatal attack on Nigerian roommate
A UK court has sentenced Benjamin Katabana to life imprisonment for murdering his Nigerian roommate, Uchenna Okirie, in Norwich. The attack was described as violent and unprovoked, with Katabana luring Okirie into a corridor before stabbing him. The court heard that Katabana had previously shown violent behaviour and armed himself with a knife before the incident. The judge emphasized the deliberate nature of the crime during sentencing.
What happened
- Benjamin Katabana was convicted of murdering Uchenna Okirie, a 33-year-old former economics student.
- The attack occurred at Somerleyton House on Somerleyton Street, Norwich, on November 22.
- Katabana stabbed Okirie and continued to attack him while he was on the floor; Okirie was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 6am.
- After the attack, Katabana activated the fire alarm and surrendered at Bethel Street Police Station, telling officers, “I have killed someone, I think.”
- The judge sentenced Katabana to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years, highlighting his history of violent offences.
