Four Nigerian students in the United Kingdom have been sentenced to prison following a violent street fight in Leicester city center.
The men—Destiny Ojo, Joshua Davies-Ero, Ridwanulahi Raheem, and Habib Lawal, all aged 21—used knives, a baseball bat, and a crutch during the altercation.
The fight occurred at about 03:00 GMT on November 4, 2021, and left an 18-year-old man with stab wounds that required hospital treatment.
The men were students of De Montfort University at the time. Following a six-week trial at Leicester Crown Court, they were found guilty of violent disorder and other related charges.
Destiny Ojo was sentenced to seven years in prison for violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and committing GBH with intent. Habib Lawal received five years for the same charges while Ridwanulahi Raheem was jailed for three years for violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
A fifth suspect, identified as Asamoah, pleaded guilty earlier to possessing a bladed article and is set to be sentenced on Friday.
The Leicestershire Police, in a statement on Monday, explained how the suspects were identified using CCTV footage, phone records, and public appeals.
“CCTV showed the men armed with various weapons,” the statement said. “Davies-Ero was seen carrying a crutch, Ojo a baseball bat, while Lawal and Raheem were both carrying large knives.”
Detective Constable Sean Downey condemned the violence, saying, “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.”
He added, “Following the disorder, a full investigation took place with suspects identified at different stages. 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.”
