Northampton Student Sentenced To Minimum Of 21 Years For Murder Of Fellow Undergraduate
In a sobering verdict, a student has been handed a minimum 21-year jail term for the murder of a fellow undergraduate amidst a dispute over drugs.
Melvin Lebaga-Idubor, 20, received the life sentence for fatally stabbing 19-year-old Kwabena Osei-Poku, known as Alfred, near the University of Northampton in April.
The sentencing, delivered at Northampton Crown Court following a trial last year, concluded a tragic chapter that left a grieving family grappling with the loss of their beloved son.
Joyce Osei-Poku, the victim’s mother, expressed her devastation, describing her son as “my baby, my precious… my best friend.”
During the trial, the court heard about a dispute over drugs preceding the murder, with Mr. Osei-Poku, hailing from Peterborough, allegedly robbed of a substantial quantity of cannabis.
On the fateful night of April 23, Mr. Osei-Poku was found with severe stab wounds in New South Bridge Road, adjacent to the university’s Waterside Campus. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
According to police reports, Lebaga-Idubor had arranged to meet Mr. Osei-Poku under the guise of a cannabis purchase but had ulterior motives to steal the victim’s drugs and deter him from dealing in Lebaga-Idubor’s territory.
The court learned that Lebaga-Idubor viciously stabbed Mr. Osei-Poku, inflicting fatal injuries, including a fatal wound to the neck.
Hailing from Abbey Road in Barking, east London, Lebaga-Idubor faced charges of murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place, resulting in a concurrent three-year sentence for carrying a weapon.
In a heartfelt victim impact statement, Ms. Osei-Poku mourned her son’s loss, describing Alfred as “a loving soul” and her “first true love.” She articulated the profound anguish of losing him, stating that “my heart was ripped from inside of me.”
Similarly, his brother Aaron reflected on Alfred’s character, portraying him as a pillar of support and love. Alfred’s untimely demise left an irreplaceable void in their lives.
During sentencing, Judge David Herbert KC addressed Lebaga-Idubor, noting his aggressive actions and the devastating consequences. While unsure of his intent to kill, the judge emphasized the severity of his actions and the proximity to tragedy due to carrying a knife in public.
The sentencing underscores the gravity of violence among young individuals and the catastrophic outcomes that ensue, serving as a stark reminder of the imperative to combat knife crime.
