Nigerian man admits murder of 23-year-old woman in UK after sour relationship

A Nigerian man who moved to the United Kingdom in 2022 has pleaded guilty to the murder of a 23-year-old British woman, Stephanie Irons, following the breakdown of a short-lived relationship.

Adedapo Adegbola, 40, of Woodborough Road, Mapperley, entered a guilty plea to a single charge of murder during a brief hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, January 26.

The court was told that he will be sentenced on February 5, when he is expected to receive a mandatory life sentence. The judge will determine the minimum term he must serve before becoming eligible for parole.

Ms Irons’ body was found on October 21, 2025, at a property on Westdale Lane West in Mapperley. Emergency services were alerted after her colleagues raised concerns, having received a series of disturbing messages sent from her phone on the evening of the attack.

Police investigations revealed that Adegbola visited Ms Irons at her home shortly after their relationship had ended and fatally wounded her during the encounter. Officers said he fled the scene without attempting to call for medical assistance.

In the hours that followed, blood-stained trainers and a jumper believed to belong to Adegbola were discovered discarded on streets in Mapperley and Carlton.

Detectives said he then travelled through several towns and cities, including Mansfield, Worksop, Sheffield and Hull, before returning to Nottingham the following day. He later handed himself in to police but gave no comment during subsequent interviews.

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Members of Ms Irons’ family were present in court as the guilty plea was entered. Prosecutors confirmed that victim impact statements are being prepared ahead of sentencing.

Judge Nirmal Shant KC told Adegbola that a life sentence was inevitable, adding that the only matter left for the court to decide was the length of the minimum term he would be required to serve.

Detective Inspector Stuart Barson described the case as “tragic,” saying a “caring and compassionate young woman” had lost her life in “horrific circumstances.”

“Following the attack on Miss Irons, Adegbola made no attempt to call for an ambulance and was concerned only with fleeing the scene and attempting to dispose of vital evidence,” he said.

“I want to thank Miss Irons’ family for the incredible strength they have shown throughout this process.”

The case has renewed calls from campaigners for greater awareness around relationship-based violence and the warning signs that can precede it.