Three sentenced for murder in UK

Three men Joshua Oladele, believed to be Nigerian, Micah Hines, and Ali Alamiri have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 25-year-old Hamza Iqbal in London, United Kingdom, according to various reports.

Hamza Iqbal was fatally stabbed 23 times in what was described as an act of vengeance. The attack occurred on September 24, 2023, when Hamza, who was accompanied by friends, was ambushed by the trio wielding machetes.

The assault was reportedly orchestrated in retaliation for a stabbing that had occurred 11 days earlier involving 28-year-old Dontae Smicle, who is believed to have masterminded the attack. Smicle has since fled the country.

On Wednesday, Snaresbrook Crown Court sentenced Oladele to life with a minimum term of 28 years, Hines to 25 years, and Alamiri to 24 years.

Hamza’s grieving family described him as a dedicated family man who was en route to an Arsenal football match when he met his tragic end. They noted, “Hamza was passionate about football. While he might not have been the best player, his devotion to Arsenal was unparalleled.”

The court heard that the attack was rooted in gang rivalry. Smicle, who believed that Hamza’s group was responsible for his earlier stabbing, directed Oladele—known for his involvement in drug dealing since a young age—to seek revenge.

Witnesses reported seeing the three men, dressed in hoodies and balaclavas, preparing for the assault before launching their attack. As Hamza and his friends attempted to escape, Oladele pursued Hamza, repeatedly stabbing him even as he lay on the ground, with Hines then inflicting additional wounds.

Judge Rosa Dean, the Honorary Recorder of Redbridge, condemned the attack as a “punishment killing” and expressed sorrow for the terror Hamza must have experienced in his final moments. She rejected the attackers’ claims that they only intended to intimidate Hamza’s group under Smicle’s direction.

Dean stated, “None of you have demonstrated any remorse throughout the trial. Your actions have been solely to save yourselves and diminish your culpability. Even if Smicle orchestrated the plan, you were all willing participants in carrying it out.”