Osarenkhoe Atutie receives a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence after admitting the attempted murder of a woman in Edinburgh, as police commend members of the public who intervened to save her life

A Nigerian national, Osarenkhoe Atutie, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after admitting the attempted murder of a 30-year-old woman during a violent knife attack in Leith, Edinburgh, in a case that prompted Police Scotland to renew its call for stronger action against violence targeting women.

Also read: Nigerian basketball player faces US rape charge

The sentence was handed down on Wednesday at the High Court in Glasgow after Atutie, 32, pleaded guilty to the attack, which occurred on the morning of November 11, 2025, in the Duke Street area of Leith.

Authorities said the victim, who was known to Atutie, survived because members of the public intervened before emergency services arrived.

According to Police Scotland, Atutie repeatedly stabbed the woman in the head and body before attempting to flee. Bystanders pursued and restrained him until police officers reached the scene and arrested him.

The victim was rushed to hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries before being discharged.

Detective Sergeant Craig McMillan described the assault as a particularly distressing case and praised the courage shown by members of the public who stepped in to protect the victim.

“My thoughts are with the victim and her family,” McMillan said.

The detective added that the actions of those who intervened were likely decisive in saving the woman’s life.

“I’d like to thank those members of the public who came to the victim’s aid during the ordeal. Without their intervention and assistance, there is a high chance that the victim would not have survived the attack.”

Police Scotland said tackling violence against women and girls remains one of its highest policing priorities, stressing that carrying weapons and committing acts of violence have no place in Scottish communities.

“Violence in any form and the possession of weapons in any environment has no place in Scotland and is entirely unacceptable,” McMillan said, adding that supporting victims and protecting communities remain central to the force’s work.

British media reports, including the Daily Star, stated that the attack unfolded in front of the couple’s young daughter and left the victim with at least 12 separate injuries, underlining the devastating impact of the incident on those involved.

The conviction adds to a series of high-profile cases involving Nigerian nationals convicted of serious violent offences in the United Kingdom.

Earlier this year, another Nigerian, Adedapo Adegbola, was sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting the murder of his former girlfriend, Steph Irons, in Nottingham following the breakdown of their relationship.

The latest judgment comes amid continued efforts by Scottish authorities to address domestic abuse and gender-based violence through tougher enforcement, public awareness campaigns and support services for victims.

Police Scotland has consistently urged communities to report threats and violent behaviour early, arguing that timely intervention can prevent tragedies and save lives.

Also read: Cape Town Police under scrutiny after Nigerian man dies during operation

For the victim in the Leith attack, investigators believe that intervention came at exactly the right moment, turning what could have been a fatal assault into a story of survival made possible by swift action from ordinary members of the public.