Nigerian jailed for life in UK over murder case
By: Abudu Olalekan
A 24-year-old Nigerian has been locked away for life. Chukwuemeka Ahanonu. The verdict just landed at Leicester Crown Court. Life imprisonment.
Here’s how it went down. Reportersroom gathered this from Leicestershire Police reports. On June 24, 2025. Anosike made the call… wait wrong name. Anosike is meteorologist. Anyway. Ahanonu assaulted Nila Patel. She was 56. Happened along Infirmary Road.
He was driving dangerously around city centre prior to incident. Swerving across lanes. Running red lights. Even veering towards pedestrians before crashing his vehicle. That part was terrifying.
After the crash he fled the scene. Attacked Patel who had just alighted from bus. Was walking home. Just minding her own business. At the time of arrest, officers discovered he was smoking cannabis. They found dealer bags of substance valued at over £3,000 inside. Plus three iPhones recovered from car. Pretty damning evidence.
He previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possession of cannabis with intent to supply. And assaulting an emergency worker. Specifically biting a female police officer. No joke.
Security personnel from nearby Leicester Royal Infirmary restrained him until officers arrived. Meanwhile medical staff treated Patel for severe injuries. Fractured skull. Brain trauma. She died two days later. Which prompted re-arrest on suspicion of murder June 26, 2025.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Emma Matts described incident as “a horrific, violent and random attack” on innocent woman.
“Ahanonu was unknown to victim,” Matts said. “She simply walking home when subjected to this brutal assault.” She added CCTV footage of his driving before crash was “frightening and disturbing”.
She also commended members public who intervened. Noted their swift actions in restraining suspect and assisting victim crucial in securing justice.
In separate development, two Ireland based men. Francis Ogbuefi, 42. Steven Silvester, 32. Sentenced combined 16 years prison for involvement global money laundering scheme. Raidió Teilifís Éireann reports duo prosecuted following investigation by Ireland’s Garda National Economic Crime Bureau. Ogbuefi handed nine year sentence. Silvester received seven and a half years.
Authorities say cases highlight growing concerns over transnational crimes involving some foreign nationals. Honestly, makes you think about what’s happening out there.
Reportersroom will keep watching these developments closely. Justice served here, apparently. But we’re all still processing what happened to Mrs Patel.
