A Nigerian man, Uchenna “Uche” Okirie, has been fatally stabbed inside a student accommodation block in Norwich.
In his 30s, Uche was known as a British Red Cross volunteer and reportedly had links to the University of East Anglia (UEA).
Uche is believed to have been a current or former postgraduate student at UEA’s School of International Development. Last year, he published a paper under the university’s name on the impact of climate change on health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
The university, however, said initial checks did not locate his academic record, though they confirmed that some UEA students reside at the accommodation.
Emergency services were called to Somerleyton House around 5 a.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers and medics found Uche with a stab wound to the chest. Despite paramedics’ efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have launched a murder investigation and subsequently arrested 27-year-old Congolese national Benjamin Katabana. He has been charged and is due to appear before Norwich Magistrates’ Court.
Residents reported being woken early by a fire alarm. One neighbour told the Eastern Daily Press that people were standing outside in their pyjamas and that multiple police vehicles arrived before an ambulance, signalling a serious incident.
Uche’s social media accounts show he actively participated in volunteer work with the British Red Cross and served as an international student ambassador for Nigeria.
A UEA spokesperson said the university has contacted all known students living at Somerleyton House and is offering full support during this difficult time.
