Four Nigerian students have been sentenced in the United Kingdom over a violent street brawl in Leicester City centre.
The men used knives, a baseball bat, and a crutch as weapons during the fight that took place at about 03:00 GMT on 4 November 2021.
They are Destiny Ojo, Joshua Davies-Ero, Ridwanulahi Raheem, and Habib Lawal. All aged 21, they were sentenced at the Leicester Crown Court on Thursday after being found guilty of various offences which included violent disorder after a six-week trial.
The Leicestershire police disclosed this on Monday in a statement on its website.
“A man, who was 18 at the time, suffered stab wound injuries in the incident requiring hospital treatment.
“After the suspects left the scene, police enquiries carried out over the following few months included CCTV analysis, phone work, and public appeals which led to identifications being made,” the statement read.
The Leicestershire Police said CCTV footage showed that the men, all from London, were spotted with several weapons.
Davies-Ero was seen carrying a crutch and Ojo a baseball bat, while Lawal was seen with what was believed to be a large knife. Raheem carried a large knife.
The court jailed Ojo to seven years in prison for violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and committing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Lawal was jailed for five years for violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and committing grievous bodily harm with intent.
The court also sentenced Raheem to a three-year prison sentence for violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
The fifth person who was identified as Asamoah, who in the past pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article, is due to be sentenced on Friday.
This incident highlights the serious danger of violent disorder. It is extremely fortunate that further injury was not caused to the people involved or to other members of the public who witnessed the incident. This could have been a very different investigation,” Detective Constable Sean Downey said.
“Following the disorder, a full investigation took place with suspects being identified at different stages through CCTV enquiries, phone work, and public appeals. Further investigative work then led to the charges being made.
“Thank you to everyone who has assisted us throughout this investigation and provided information. As a force, our priority is to keep the public safe. We will not tolerate violent disorder in our communities and will take action against those who are responsible for it.”
