A Nigerian man who m8rdered a woman he worked with after she ended their brief "controlling relationship" has been given a life sentence in the United Kingdom.

LIB reported that Adedapo Adegbola, 40, fatally st@bbed Stephanie Irons, 23, in the neck, at her home in Mapperley, Nottinghamshire, on the evening of 21 October, 2025. 

Adegbola relocated to the UK in 2022. 

Nottingham Crown Court heard Adegbola, a social worker, "had become obsessed" with Irons and planned to kill her.

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, Adegbola was told at the same court he would spend a minimum term of 25 years in prison following his guilty plea last month.

Speaking in court, Irons's mother said: "I have no words to say how broken I am to have lost her in such a horrific way.

Adegbola sobbed as the mother described her daughter's "compassionate and caring" nature.

"She lit up the room and could make even the saddest person smile," she said

"That's because she wanted to make a happy and kinder world."

Sentencing Adegbola Judge Nirmal Shant KC said: "You had been in a brief relationship with Stephanie Irons after you met as work colleagues.

"Your controlling behavior led her to end the relationship. What is plain is that you were not prepared to accept that.

The court heard Adegbola had purchased two knives and travelled by taxi to Irons's home in Westdale Lane West, unknown to her, after they finished work on 21 October.

He then left taking with him her phone and her keys, locking her inside before fleeing and disposing of his shirt, trousers and the m8rder weapon on his way.

What you did on that day was to take the life of a young girl who was compassionate and accomplished and whose only fault was to love you at one time," the judge said.

Adegbola handed himself into the police on 22 October, after feeling to Hull, and later pleaded guilty to murder in January.

Det Insp Stuart Barson, the senior investigating officer in the case, said Irons's family had shown "incredible strength and bravery" throughout the investigation.

In a statement read out on the family's behalf he said: "We have lost our beautiful daughter and shining light.

"No-one will ever take away the pain that's been caused the this senseless act.

"She was the kindest, sweetest person anyone could meet and our lives will never be the same.

"She touched so many lives with her personality and kind soul.

"While justice will be done, time will never heal our loss."

A number of police officers were in court on Thursday, at the request of Irons's mother - a former officer - so she could thank them