Members of the Nigerian community residing in Norwich, United Kingdom, have initiated a fundraising campaign to facilitate the repatriation and burial of Uchenna Okirie, also known as “Common Man,” who was fatally stabbed in his student accommodation in November 2025.
Mr. Okirie, a Nigerian national, was reportedly killed under circumstances that have drawn significant attention within both the local and international Nigerian communities. A 27-year-old Congolese national, Benjamin Katabana, has been formally charged in connection with the alleged homicide.
To finance the repatriation and related funeral arrangements, the Nigerian Community Norwich established a GoFundMe appeal entitled: “Rest in Peace, Uche: Help Us Return Him to His Family.” As of the latest report, the appeal had raised £1,149 toward a target of £7,000, with 67 donors contributing.
The fundraising organizers characterized Mr. Okirie as a compassionate and altruistic individual who actively supported international students during his tenure as an MSc Development Economics graduate and student ambassador at the University of East Anglia in the 2021/2022 academic year. They noted that he frequently assisted newly arrived students with housing, banking, employment, and acclimatization.
The Nigerian Community Norwich stated that proceeds from the campaign will be allocated to transporting Mr. Okirie’s remains to Nigeria and covering funeral expenses, as he had no immediate family residing in the United Kingdom. Organizers emphasized that the initiative represents a collective effort to honor his contributions and legacy.#newsafro_
