Two Men Jailed for Five Years Over Dublin Murder Attack

Two men have received five-year prison sentences for their involvement in a violent attack that resulted in the murder of Quham Babatunde in Dublin city center. The assault occurred on South Anne Street on February 15, 2025, when Babatunde, 34, was fatally stabbed during an unprovoked incident. His friend, Adetola Adetuilehim, was also seriously injured in a related assault at Duke Lane on the same date.

Faraj Odukoya, 20, and John Eghomwanre, 25, both pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Babatunde and his friend. The court heard that the violence unfolded outside the nightclub Twenty Two. Both men initiated the attack, shoving and punching Babatunde multiple times before another individual inflicted the fatal stab wounds. Odukoya and Eghomwanre were arrested the following month. While Odukoya identified himself on CCTV footage, Eghomwanre did not cooperate with the investigation.

Adding to their convictions, Odukoya also admitted to two counts of burglary. He looted two Footlocker Sports Shops in Dublin during the riots that occurred in November 2023. His defense counsel described the theft as "opportunistic." Both defendants have prior convictions for drug offenses, including dealing.

Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged the serious violence perpetrated by Odukoya and Eghomwanre. While stating they could not be punished for Babatunde's death, he emphasized that their actions were inexcusable. Both men expressed remorse for their actions and recognized the pain caused to Babatunde's family. Odukoya's defense cited past experiences of racist bullying in school as a contributing factor to his lack of qualifications and subsequent path.

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Both men engaged in serious violence that night when they attacked Quham Babatunde and others. However, he said while they cannot be punished for his death, their actions cannot be excused.