Four Nigerian students have been sentenced by a United Kingdom (UK) court for violent disorder following a fight in Leicester in November 2021.
News About Nigeria reports that the altercation, which occurred in the early hours of November 4, 2021, involved the use of weapons, including knives and a baseball bat. An 18-year-old man sustained multiple stab wounds during the incident.
According to the police, the suspects were apprehended and charged after months of extensive investigations that included CCTV analysis, phone records, and public appeals.
Detective Constable Sean Downey stated, “This incident highlights the serious danger of violent disorder. It is extremely fortunate that further injury was not caused to those involved or other members of the public who witnessed the incident. This could have been a very different investigation. Following the disorder, a full investigation took place, with suspects being identified through CCTV inquiries, phone work, and public appeals. Further investigative work then led to the charges being made.
“Thank you to everyone who assisted us throughout this investigation and provided information. 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 for it.”
The defendants, all 21 years old and students at De Montfort University in Leicester at the time of the incident, were sentenced on Thursday, November 14.
The court detailed the sentences as follows:
- Destiny Ojo received seven years imprisonment after being found guilty of violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and committing grievous bodily harm with intent.
- Habib Lawal was sentenced to five years imprisonment for violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and committing grievous bodily harm with intent.
- Ridwanulahi Raheem was sentenced to three years imprisonment after being found guilty of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
- Joshua Davies-Ero received two years imprisonment after being found guilty of violent disorder.
