Basketball player, 27, accused of murdering man in student accommodation came to Britain a child refugee from war-torn Congo
A former refugee appeared in court accused of murdering a Nigerian man in a shared student accommodation block.
Congolese man Benjamin Katabana, 27, is accused of stabbing Ucheena Okirie, in her 30s, to death at Somerleyton House in Norwich, Norfolk.
Social media accounts indicate that Mr Okirie has been a postgraduate student at the University of East Anglia’s School of International Development since 2021.
Katabana, who came to England with his family as a child and wore a blue sweatshirt in the dock, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address at Somerleyton House during the two-minute hearing.
He was taken into custody after the charge was read to him and will appear again at Norwich Crown Court tomorrow.
Judge Cathryn Dobson told him; ‘You have heard that you have been charged with murder and that this can only be resolved in the crown court.
‘Your next hearing will be at the crown court tomorrow and you will be detained… Go with the officers.’
Katabana was not asked to enter a plea and no application for bail was made.
Congolese man Benjamin Katabana, 27 (pictured playing basketball), is accused of stabbing Ucheena Okirie, in her 30s, to death at Somerleyton House in Norwich, Norfolk.
Social media accounts state that Mr Okirie, pictured, is a postgraduate student at the University of East Anglia’s School of International Development
Norfolk Police said emergency services were called at 5.22am on Saturday to reports of a man being stabbed at Somerleyton House on Somerleyton Street, off Unthank Road.
Mr Okirie was pronounced dead at the scene and a post-mortem examination yesterday determined he died from a stab wound to the chest.
His LinkedIn profile described him as Nigeria’s international student ambassador and an economics graduate from the University of Agriculture in Abeokuta.
His work is said to include preparing a report on climate change and health consequences in sub-Saharan African countries.
However, a spokesman for UEA said today that he was not registered as a current student.
The spokesman said: ‘A check of our student records identified a handful of current UEA students residing at Somerleyton House. The University has reached out to each of them and will ensure they get all the support they need.
‘The University is committed to supporting all affected students during this difficult time.’
Katabana’s half-brother, Fabrice Katabana, and his half-sister sat in the public gallery for today’s hearing.
Mr Okirie was pronounced dead at the scene and a post-mortem examination yesterday determined he died from a stab wound to the chest.
His LinkedIn profile described him as Nigeria’s international student ambassador and an economics graduate from the University of Agriculture in Abeokuta.
Fabrice stated that his half-brother was a refugee who came to the UK legally with his family as a 12-year-old boy under the Government’s official Gateway Protection Scheme.
He described him as an avid basketball player who had played for several local teams and currently worked in a chocolate factory.
Fabrice added: ‘We are so sorry for the family who lost their loved one.’
Somerleyton House’s website describes it as providing ‘high specification, fully equipped accommodation for students and professionals’.
The block has a mix of single and double rooms and self-contained flats with shared facilities for ‘both UK and international individuals’.
He adds: ‘We’re located right in the heart of Norwich, in the Golden Triangle area, close to many of the best bars, restaurants and amenities.’
Tenants in the block were forced to move into emergency accommodation on Saturday after police launched an investigation at the scene.
On Sunday, a woman was seen leaving the entrance of the accommodation in tears after being refused permission to take her mobile phone by a police officer on duty at the door.
Dormitory in Norfolk where Mr Okirie was pronounced dead at the scene after being stabbed in the chest
He said he had no landline and no important numbers memorized, so he was unable to contact anyone after the tragedy.
A help center for tenants was set up at the nearby Wensum Community Centre, but residents were later moved to a hotel.
One of the tenants’ essential medicines and wallet were reportedly taken from his room by a police officer after some consideration.
Tenants reported hearing panicked screams of ‘Someone is dead’ from the top of the building early Saturday morning.
A fire alarm was then set off and those in the building, many still in their pajamas and slippers, fled down the stairs to escape.
A Norfolk police spokesman added: ‘At this stage this is believed to be an isolated incident that does not pose a greater risk to the local community.’
In a statement, police added: ‘Congolese national Benjamin Katabana, 27, of Somerleyton Street, Norwich, has been charged following the death of a man on Saturday, November 22.
‘At today’s hearing, the judge scheduled a defense and trial preparation hearing for January 30, 2026.
‘The provisional hearing date has been determined as 18 May 2026.
‘The defendant will remain in custody until the next hearing.
‘The victim of the murder has been identified as 33-year-old Ucheena Okirie, officially known as Uche. His relatives in Nigeria were notified.
‘Once the identity has been confirmed, an inquest will be launched by the coroner in due course.’
