Nigerian, 24, handed life sentence in UK murder case

Chukwuemeka Ahanonu life sentence follows conviction for the murder of a woman in Leicester after a violent street attack

Nigerian national Chukwuemeka Ahanonu has been sentenced to life imprisonment by Leicester Crown Court for the murder of 56-year-old Nila Patel following a violent street attack.

Also read: BREAKING: Meta platforms, YouTube held liable in historic social media addiction case

The 24-year-old was found guilty by a jury on Monday and sentenced on Tuesday after the fatal incident on Infirmary Road in Leicester on June 24, 2025.

According to Leicestershire Police, Chukwuemeka Ahanonu had been driving dangerously across the city centre before the attack, swerving between lanes, running red lights and veering towards pedestrians. The vehicle later crashed, prompting him to flee the scene.

Prosecutors told the court that he then attacked Nila Patel, who had just alighted from a bus and was walking home.

Emergency responders later treated her for severe injuries, including a fractured skull and brain trauma. She died two days later.

At the time of arrest, officers discovered evidence of cannabis use, along with dealer bags of the substance valued at more than £3,000 and three mobile phones recovered from his vehicle.

Chukwuemeka Ahanonu had earlier pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possession of cannabis with intent to supply and assaulting an emergency worker after biting a female police officer.

Security personnel from Leicester Royal Infirmary restrained him until police officers arrived.

Medical staff attempted to stabilise the victim before her condition deteriorated.

Senior Investigating Officer Emma Matts described the incident as a horrific and random act of violence against an innocent woman.

Emma Matts said the victim had no connection to the attacker and was simply on her way home when she was subjected to the brutal assault.

She added that CCTV footage of the suspect’s driving prior to the crash was disturbing.

The officer also commended members of the public who intervened, noting that their swift response helped restrain the suspect and support the victim.

In a separate case, Ireland-based men Francis Ogbuefi and Steven Silvester were sentenced to a combined 16 years in prison for their roles in a global money laundering scheme.

Also read: Akwa Ibom CJ frees 63 inmates in bold justice reform

Authorities say the cases highlight growing concerns over transnational crime involving foreign nationals.

David Okere