Man jailed for life for murdering "peaceful young man full of dreams" in Norwich
The man stabbed his victim in the communal corridor of the shared accommodation where they both lived
A man from Norwich has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years after being found guilty of murdering a “gentle-hearted and sensitive” man.
Benjamin Katabana, aged 28, of Somerleyton House, Norwich, appeared at Norwich Crown Court today (Friday 7 August) after being found guilty in June of murdering Uchenna Okirie, known as Uche, on 22 November 2025.
Katabana had denied murder but offered a guilty plea to manslaughter with diminished responsibility, which the jury rejected following an 11-day trial.
The court heard Katabana stabbed 33-year-old Uche in the communal corridor of the shared accommodation where they both lived and continued the brutal assault even after his victim had fallen to the floor.
Following the unprovoked attack he left his victim for dead, activated the fire alarm, and made his way to Bethel Street Police Station where he handed himself in.
A family statement read to the court paid tribute to Uche and outlined the devasting impact of his death in such sudden and brutal circumstances.
It described a peaceful young man full of dreams who only wanted to make life better for others.
Born in Nigeria Uche was known as ‘Common Man’ for what his family described as his gift for connecting with others from all walks of life.
From an early age, the statement said, he demonstrated exceptional academic ability.
He earned a degree in Economics and began his professional career as an auditor before relocating to the United Kingdom to further his education.
He accepted a place at the University of East Anglia (UEA), where he successfully completed an MSc in Development Economics.
His family said he approached life with warmth, patience, and an infectious optimism.
He believed in living joyfully, and loved music and dancing.
His passing had left an unimaginable void, the statement went on, adding: “Uche’s death is not merely the loss of a family member; it is the loss of a compassionate soul, a peaceful young man full of dreams, purpose, love, and hope for humanity.”
In an open letter to Uche his sister said there were no words that could adequately express the depth of the family's pain.
She described Uche as a man with big dreams whose intelligence and warmth radiated wherever he went. He had made his family proud.
That his life had come to such a sudden and brutal end was heartbreaking.
SIO Det Insp Alix Wright said: “Uche was a graduate of the University of East Anglia who came to the UK seeking a better life. He did not deserve to lose his life in such a violent and unprovoked attack.
“While nothing can ever make up for his death, we hope today's sentence provides some measure of justice for his family and loved ones.
“Our thoughts remain with them as they continue to come to terms with their loss.”