A Nigerian man along with two accomplices has been sentenced to life imprisonment in London for the murder of a 25-year-old, marking a significant legal outcome in the case.
Joshua Oladele and two other men, all of Nigerian heritage, have been handed a life sentence for the savage killing of Hamza Iqbal in London. The victim was 25 years old at the time.
Hamza was ambushed and stabbed 23 times almost a year ago, in what was described as a retaliatory attack. The sentencing has now taken place.
On September 24, 2023, Hamza and his friends were confronted by Oladele, Micah Hines and Ali Alamiri who were armed with machetes causing a fatal incident.
According to reports, 28-year-old Dontae Smicle allegedly organized the attack because he held Hamza’s group accountable for a previous assault on him. Smicle has fled the country and purportedly instructed men to retaliate against Hamza.
On Wednesday, Oladele received a life sentence with a minimum term of 28 years from the Snaresbrook Crown Court. Hines was sentenced to serve for 25 years while Alamiri got 24 years behind bars. The court acknowledged that Smicle, believed to be the perpetrator’s brains behind the assault, is still on the loose.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Man Sentenced to Over 4 Years in US for Romance Scam, Faces Deportation
The family of Hamza Iqbal, who were greatly saddened by his demise, portrayed him as a committed household head and an ardent follower of Arsenal.
According to his family, Hamza’s passion for football was unparalleled. Although he may not have been the most skilled player, his devotion to Arsenal remained unwavering.
In court, it was revealed that the assault originated from a feud between two gangs. Smicle suspected Hamza’s crew of causing an earlier stabbing which had wounded him and identified them on the ill-fated night before calling Oladele who had been associated with criminal behavior since his younger years.
Witnesses reported seeing the three hooded and balaclava-wearing men hyping each other up before carrying out the deadly attack.
While Hamza and his companions were trying to flee, Oladele went after him, repeatedly stabbing the defenseless victim on the ground. Subsequently, Hines joined in causing more harm by adding new wounds.
Expressing regret for the fear that Hamza experienced in his last moments, Honorary Recorder of Redbridge Judge Rosa Dean decried the attack as a form of retributive killing.
Dean rejected the attackers’ assertion that their intention was solely to terrify Hamza’s group, stating firmly, “Throughout the trial proceedings you have exhibited no regret. Your actions appear aimed at self-preservation and minimizing your culpability.”
Her conclusion was that even though Smicle might have come up with the plan, all three men were enthusiastic accomplices in committing the atrocious act.
