Nigerian National, 2 Others Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Killing 25-year-old Man in UK

Three men—Joshua Oladele, Micah Hines, and Ali Alamiri—were on Wednesday sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 25-year-old Hamza Iqbal in London, United Kingdom.

The attack, which took place on Wembley Way, was a brutal revenge mission orchestrated by Dontae Smicle, who had been stabbed 11 days earlier. The sentencing marks a significant moment in addressing gang-related violence and its devastating impact on communities.

The incident occurred on September 24, 2023, when Hamza Iqbal and his friends were suddenly attacked by three youths wielding machetes. According to the court proceedings at Snaresbrook Crown Court, the trio, all aged 21, were carrying out a revenge attack on behalf of Smicle.

Judge Rosa Dean, Honorary Recorder of Redbridge, noted that the attack took place against the backdrop of a gang territory dispute. Smicle, who has since fled the country, had phoned Oladele, who had been involved in drug running since he was 13, to carry out the attack.

Hamza Iqbal was chased down and stabbed 23 times in a devastating assault. Judge Dean described how Oladele continued to stab Hamza even as he lay defenseless on the ground, with Hines joining in to stab him three more times.

"I’m sorry to add to his family’s distress by spelling out the obvious truth, but he must have been in absolute terror as he was stabbed again and again," Judge Dean said during the sentencing.

The attackers made their getaway in Smicle's car but were arrested shortly after. Oladele and Hines were found hiding in Woolwich, while Alamiri was arrested at his home address.

During the trial, the trio claimed they were only trying to scare Hamza’s group and were acting under Smicle's instructions out of fear. However, Judge Dean criticized their lack of remorse, stating, "None of you during the trial have shown any pity or a word of apology for your actions. Everything you have done has been to try to save yourselves and minimize your responsibility."

The sentences handed down were severe: Oladele received a minimum of 28 years, Hines 25 years, and Alamiri 24 years. This case underscores the severe consequences of participating in gang violence and highlights the tragic loss of a young life.

Hamza Iqbal's family described him as a "family man and the joker of the household," noting the profound void his death has left in their lives. "You never think something like this will ever happen to your own family," they said, capturing the unimaginable grief and loss they continue to endure.