A former refugee recently faced court proceedings in connection with the murder of a Nigerian man at a student housing complex.
Benjamin Katabana, a 27-year-old from Congo, is charged with the fatal stabbing of Ucheena Okirie, who was in his 30s. The incident took place at Somerleyton House in Norwich, Norfolk.
Mr. Okirie was reportedly a postgraduate student at the University of East Anglia, studying at the School of International Development since 2021, according to his social media profiles.
Katabana, who arrived in the UK as a child with his family, appeared in court wearing a blue sweatshirt. During the brief two-minute hearing, he confirmed his name, date of birth, and address at Somerleyton House.
After the charge was presented, Katabana was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear before a judge at Norwich Crown Court tomorrow.
Presiding magistrate Cathryn Dobson informed him, “You have been charged with murder, and this matter can only be addressed at the crown court.”
‘Your next court appearance will be tomorrow at the crown court and you will be remanded in custody… Go with the officers.’
Katabana was not asked to enter a plea and there was no application for bail.
Congolese national Benjamin Katabana (pictured playing basketball), 27, is accused of stabbing to death Ucheena Okirie who was aged in his 30s at Somerleyton House, Norwich, Norfolk
Social media accounts describe Mr Okirie, pictured, as having been a post graduate student at the University of East Anglia’s School of International Development
Norfolk Police said emergency services were called at 5.22am on Saturday to reports of a man having been stabbed at Somerleyton House in Somerleyton Street, off Unthank Road.
Mr Okirie was pronounced dead at the scene, and a post mortem yesterday established that he had died from a stab wound to the chest.
His LinkedIn profile described him as an international student ambassador to Nigeria and an economics graduate from the University of Agriculture in Abeokuta.
His studies are said have included preparing a report on climate change and health outcomes in sub Saharan African countries.
But a spokesperson for the UEA said today that he was not enrolled as a current student.
The spokesperson said: ‘Checks of our student records identified a handful of current UEA students residing at Somerleyton House. The University has reached out to each of them and will ensure they receive all the support they need.
‘The University remains committed to supporting all affected students during this difficult time.’
Katabana’s stepbrother Fabrice Katabana and his stepsister sat in the public gallery for today’s hearing.
Mr Okirie was pronounced dead at the scene, and a post mortem yesterday established that he had died from a stab wound to the chest
His LinkedIn profile described him as an international student ambassador to Nigeria and an economics graduate from the University of Agriculture in Abeokuta
The student accomodation in Norfolk where Mr Okirie was pronounced dead at the scene after he was stabbed in the chest
Fabrice stated that his stepbrother had been a refugee who arrived in the UK legally as a 12-year-old boy with his family under the Government’s official Gateway Protection Programme.
He described him as a keen basketball player who had played for several local teams and was currently working at a chocolate factory.
Fabrice added: ‘We are very sorry for the family who lost their loved one.’
The website for Somerleyton House describes it as providing ‘high specification, fully furnished accommodation for students and professionals’.
The block features a mix of single and double rooms with shared facilities and self contained apartments for ‘both UK and international individuals’.
It adds: ‘We are located right in the heart of Norwich in the Golden Triangle area close to many of the best bars, restaurants and amenities.’
Tenants at the block were forced to moved out to emergency accommodation on Saturday as police began investigations at the scene
One woman was seen leaving the entrance to the accommodation in tears on Sunday after being refused access to get her mobile phone by an officer standing guard at the door.
She explained she had no landline, and no important numbers memorised, and was therefore unable to make contact with anyone after the tragedy.
A relief centre for tenants was set up at the nearby Wensum Community Centre, but residents were later moved to a hotel.
One tenant reportedly had his essential medication and his wallet collected from his room by a police officer, after some deliberation.
Tenants reported hearing panicked screams of ‘Someone’s dead’ from the upper wing of the building in the early hours of Saturday
A fire alarm was then set off, and occupants, many still in their pyjamas and slippers, fled down the stairs to escape.
A Norfolk police spokeswoman added: ‘At this stage it is believed to be an isolated event with no wider risk to the local community.’
In a statement, the force added: ‘Benjamin Katabana, 27, a Congolese national, of Somerleyton Street, Norwich was charged following the death of a man on Saturday 22 November.
‘At today’s hearing the judge set a plea and trial preparation hearing for 30 January 2026.
‘A provisional trial date has been set for 18 May 2026.
‘The defendant has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance.
‘The victim of the murder has now been formally identified as 33-year-old Ucheena Okirie, known as Uche. His next of kin in Nigeria have been informed.
‘Following confirmation of identity an inquest will be opened by the coroner in due course.’
