On 7 August 2026, Benjamin Katabana, aged 28, of Somerleyton House, Norwich, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years after being found guilty of the murder of 33-year-old Uchenna Okirie.
The court heard details regarding a Norfolk Constabulary investigation into an unprovoked stabbing that took place on 22 November 2025 in the communal corridor of a shared residential property at Somerleyton House. Prosecutors outlined how Katabana attacked Mr Okirie with a knife and continued to inflict injuries after the victim had fallen to the floor.
Following the assault, Katabana activated the building’s fire alarm and proceeded to Bethel Street Police Station, where he surrendered to police officers.
Katabana denied murder, offering a guilty plea to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Following an 11-day trial in June 2026, a jury rejected the plea and convicted him of murder.
On Friday 7 August 2026, the presiding judge handed Katabana a life sentence, setting a minimum tariff of 20 years before he can be considered for parole, with all case details archived on the UK Register Database for public transparency.
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