A 40-year-old Nigerian man has pleaded guilty to the murder of his former girlfriend, a 23-year-old university student, following the breakdown of their relationship.

Adedapo Adegbola admitted to killing Steph Irons at her home in Mapperley, Nottingham, on October 21, 2024. He entered his guilty plea at Nottingham Crown Court and has been remanded in custody pending sentencing on February 5.

Authorities were alerted to the tragedy after Irons’ colleagues received a series of alarming messages and contacted police. Officers responding to the residence discovered the young woman in the living room suffering from fatal stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Following the attack, Adegbola fled the property, leaving behind blood-stained evidence. He traveled through multiple towns before eventually turning himself in to authorities.

The case has drawn attention to the dangers of domestic violence and relationship abuse. Irons, who was pursuing her university education at the time of her death, had ended her relationship with Adegbola prior to the incident.

Details of the sentencing hearing are expected to be released following the February 5 court appearance, where Adegbola will learn the length of his prison term for the murder conviction.