BY JAMES AKINOLA
Nigerians living in Norwich, United Kingdom, have launched a fundraising campaign to repatriate the remains of Uchenna Okirie, fondly known as “Common Man,” who was stabbed to death in his student apartment in November 2025.
Okirie, a Nigerian national, was allegedly killed under circumstances that shocked both the local community and Nigerians in the diaspora. A 27-year-old Congolese national, Benjamin Katabana, has been charged in connection with the incident.
To facilitate the repatriation and burial of the deceased, the Nigerian Community Norwich initiated a GoFundMe campaign titled “Rest in Peace, Uche: Help Us Return Him to His Family.”
As of Wednesday, the appeal had raised £1,149 of its £7,000 target, with 67 donors contributing.
In the appeal, organisers described Okirie as a compassionate and selfless young man whose life was devoted to helping others.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Uchenna Okirie, fondly known by many as ‘Common Man’… Uche was tragically stabbed to death in his home. He was a remarkable soul—steady, genuine and deeply compassionate,” the statement read.
The community disclosed that Okirie earned an MSc in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia during the 2021/2022 academic session, where he also served as an international student ambassador.
He was widely known for supporting newly arrived international students, often providing accommodation, guidance and practical assistance as they adjusted to life in the UK.
“When friends arrived in the UK with nowhere to stay, he opened his home without hesitation. When someone needed help setting up a bank account, finding work or navigating a new environment, Uche showed up,” the organisers noted.
They described him as calm, honest and deeply considerate, remembered for his “unique smile, quiet generosity and habit of placing others’ comfort above his own.”
The Nigerian Community Norwich said Okirie left behind a wide network of friends, coursemates and colleagues whose lives were profoundly impacted by his kindness. Funds raised from the appeal will be used to transport his remains to Nigeria and support funeral arrangements, as he had no immediate family in the UK.
“This is our way of giving back to someone who gave so freely of himself. No contribution is too small, and every donation brings us closer to giving Uche the farewell he deserves,” the organisers added.
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2026-01-29
