Four Nigerian students based in Leicester City, England, have been sentenced to different years of imprisonment after they were convicted of violent disorder.
The Leicester City police said that a detailed investigation into their actions in an incident that occurred in Leicester in November 2021 resulted in their imprisonment.
According to a report published on its website, the police said that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, November 4, 2021, involved a violent altercation in which weapons, including knives and a baseball bat, were used.
The police authorities said that an 18-year-old man suffered stab wounds and required hospital treatment after being attacked during the fight.
After the suspects fled the scene, a thorough investigation was launched, including CCTV analysis, phone records, and public appeals for information.
The efforts led to the identification of the individuals involved.
According to the report, on Thursday, November 14, 2024, following a comprehensive investigation and a six-week trial, which concluded in October, the four suspects were sentenced in connection with the violent incident.
All of the defendants were said to be students at De Montfort University in Leicester at the time of the attack.
One of the convicts identified as Destiny Ojo, 21, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and committing grievous bodily harm with intent.
The second convict, Habib Lawal, 21, was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and committing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Also, Ridwanulahi Raheem, 21, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
While Joshua Davies-Ero, 21, was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of violent disorder.
Meanwhile, the report stated that a fifth defendant, Justin Asamoah, 22, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, November 22.
The police said that the violent altercation took place around 3am on November 4, 2021, when Ojo, Lawal, Raheem, and Davies-Ero, who had been socializing in Leicester city center, encountered another group.
A verbal dispute escalated into a large physical confrontation on New Park Street, during which the defendants armed themselves.
Surveillance footage captured the men carrying various weapons: Davies-Ero was seen with a crutch, Ojo with a baseball bat, Lawal with a knife, and Raheem with a large knife.
The fight continued, culminating in one of the men from the opposing group being thrown to the ground and repeatedly stabbed.
The victim sustained four stab wounds and was taken to the hospital by ambulance, where he was treated and later discharged.
Detective Constable Sean Downey, who led the investigation, said: “This incident demonstrates the extreme dangers of violent disorder.
“It is fortunate that no further injuries were caused to those involved or to the public. This could have easily turned into a far more serious situation.
“Thanks to the combined efforts of our team, including CCTV analysis, phone data, and public assistance, we were able to identify the suspects and secure convictions.
“We appreciate the support from the community and will continue to work hard to ensure our streets remain safe from violence.”
The investigation highlights the commitment of law enforcement to tackle violent disorder and protect public safety. (SaharaReporters)
