A Nottingham Crown Court has sentenced 40-year-old Adedapo Adegbola to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 25 years, for the murder of his 23-year-old former girlfriend, university student Steph Irons.
The tragedy occurred on October 21, 2025, at Irons’ residence in Mapperley, following the end of their brief relationship.
Prosecutors revealed that Adegbola became obsessed with Irons after their breakup, fixating on her and buying two knives online before travelling to her home.
He attacked Irons outside as she took out the trash, then forced his way inside, stabbing her multiple times. Colleagues became alarmed after receiving disturbing messages from her phone, prompting police to investigate.
Officers found Irons’ body in the living room, where she was pronounced dead at the scene.
After the attack, Adegbola fled, discarding bloodstained clothing and other evidence along the streets of Mapperley and Carlton, travelling through Mansfield, Worksop, Sheffield, and Hull before eventually surrendering.
Related News:
Ekweremadu’s wife released from UK prison
UK raises salary threshold for skilled workers visa
Ex-Oil Minister Diezani Faces UK Court Over Bribery Charges
Nigerian Man Sentenced to Six Years in UK for Train Sexual Assault
Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, lead investigator on the case, described Irons as a “kind and compassionate young woman” whose promising life was tragically cut short.
He added that Adegbola made no effort to seek medical help for her and instead chose to flee, attempting to destroy evidence.
In a victim impact statement, Irons’ mother said her daughter’s death left the family “devastated,” remembering her as loving, caring, and full of promise. Irons had aspired to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology.