A teenager who stabbed a Nigerian to death in the United Kingdom was on Friday, August 26, sentenced to 22 years in prison for murder.

On January 29, the convict, 18-year-old Kaleb Amponsah stabbed a 27-year-old Nigerian man, to death in broad daylight in an East London park.

On July 28 Amponsah, of Robertson Road, Newham, was found guilty at the Old Bailey of the murder of Ade Afariogun in the presence of friends of the deceased.

According to eyewitnesses the victim was in Plaistow Park with three female friends and noticed Amposah stare at him aggressively as he rode his bike past him.

Moments later, as the victim was leaving the park, Amponsah pulled up his bike in front of him and started an argument with him. Words were exchanged which progressed into exchange of fist cuffs.

In an attempt to resolve the argument a friend of the victim made an attempt to pull Amponsah away, but was too late as he brought out a large knife and stabbed the victim in his stomach twice. The cut was so deep that he had a 12cm injury in his abdomen.

According to the Metropolitan Police the victim was rushed to Royal London Hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died during the early hours of Monday 1 February.

In his panic, the convict fled the scene leaving behind his bike and mobile phone. These items were used by detectives to retrieve his DNA.

Amponsah was arrested on February 5, 2016, Amponsah at his home address. After a thorough search the clothing worn by the killer, and a large knife were found concealed within his mattress in his bedroom.

Detective Sergeant Perry Benton said, “Five months after the original charge, Amponsah admitted being responsible for the fatal stabbing but claimed he had acted in self-defence after the victim attacked him. Thankfully the jury saw through this unlikely scenario, recognising this for the needless and cold-blooded murder it was. The park where this took place is well used by a wide range of borough residents and the local community should feel reassured that this type of attack is an extremely rare occurrence. Ade was in the park with friends when he was killed for reasons that we have been unable to ascertain. He was well loved by his family and friends, who miss him very much.”

Three other suspects arrested in connection with the incident were released with no further action.

Oludolapo Adelana

Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.