Four Nigerian students have been handed prison sentences for their involvement in a violent disorder that took place in Leicester during the early hours of November 4, 2021.
The convicts are Destiny Ojo, Habib Lawal, Ridwanulahi Raheem and Joshua Davies-Ero.
The confrontation involving knives and a baseball bat escalated into a large fight on New Park Street, leaving an 18-year-old with four stab wounds requiring hospital treatment.
After the suspects fled the scene, a thorough investigation was launched, including CCTV analysis, phone records, and public appeals for information.
A six-week trial concluded in October, with sentences handed down on November 14, 2024.
Ojo, 21, of Plumstead in London, was served seven years for violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH) and GBH with intent.
Lawal, 21, of Bexley, London was served five years for violent disorder, attempted GBH and GBH with intent.
Raheem, 21, of Lambeth, London, was served three years for violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
Davies-Ero, 21, of Bexley, London, was handed two years for violent disorder.
A fifth defendant Justin Asamoah, 22, of Merton, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article. He will be sentenced on November 22.
The police said that the violent altercation took place around 3am on November 4, 2021, when the four students who were socialising in Leicester encountered another group.
A verbal dispute escalated into a large physical confrontation on New Park Street during which the defendants armed themselves.
Detective constable Sean Downey emphasised the severity of the incident, saying, “This incident highlights the serious danger of violent disorder. It is extremely fortunate that further injury was not caused to the people involved or to other members of the public who witnessed the incident. This could have been a very different investigation.”
