Stephanie Irons

Stephanie Irons, a 23-year-old clinical psychology graduate from Mapperley, Nottinghamshire, was murdered on the evening of 21 October 2025 by her ex-colleague Adedapo Adegbola.

Adegbola, is a 40-year-old Nigerian national and social worker who had moved to the UK in 2022.

They had a brief controlling relationship after meeting at work; Stephanie ended it, but Adegbola became obsessed, bought two knives specifically to kill her, and travelled by taxi to her home in Westdale Lane West, where he stabbed her multiple times (including a fatal wound to the neck), left her body on the floor in a pool of blood, took her phone and keys, locked the flat, and fled (disposing of clothes and the weapon en route) before handing himself in to police.

The motive was rejection after the break-up; the judge described his behaviour as controlling and said he was “not prepared to accept” the end of the relationship.

In February 2026 at Nottingham Crown Court, Adegbola pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years.

Family tributes described Stephanie as compassionate and kind.

Rest in peace Stephanie. You will not be forgotten.