Congolese man jailed for life for murdering Nigerian roommate in UK

A 28-year-old man, Benjamin Katabana, has received a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years for the brutal murder of his 33-year-old roommate, Uchenna Okirie. The fatal incident occurred on November 22 at Somerleyton House in Norwich, where both men resided.

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I have killed someone, I think.

Katabana was found guilty of murder by a jury, who dismissed his plea of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The prosecution presented evidence of a violent and unprovoked knife attack. CCTV footage showed Katabana luring Okirie to a communal corridor via WhatsApp messages before launching the assault. Okirie, an economics graduate from the University of East Anglia, was stabbed repeatedly in the chest and kicked in the head while appearing to be using his phone.

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You act impulsively and resolve issues through violence.

Following the attack, Katabana activated the building's fire alarm and calmly walked to a police station, admitting, "I have killed someone, I think." At Norwich Crown Court, Judge Bate noted Katabana's impulsive nature and history of resolving disputes through violence. The judge emphasized that the attack took place in the victim's home and that Okirie was caught by surprise.

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The attack took place in the victim’s home and that Okirie had been “taken by surprise.”

During the trial, Katabana's defense suggested his actions might be linked to a traumatic upbringing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but he offered no explanation for the killing during police interviews. The murder weapon was never recovered. Senior investigating officer Alix Wright of Norfolk Police described the event as "a violent and unprovoked attack" and extended condolences to Okirie's family, stating that the conviction offers them a measure of justice.

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Benjamin Katabana deliberately lured Mr Okirie into the corridor through WhatsApp messages where he intended to meet him, having already armed himself with a knife.