The Nigerian community in Norwich, United Kingdom, has launched a fundraising campaign to repatriate the body of Uchenna Okirie, a Nigerian student known fondly as “Common Man,” who was stabbed to death in his apartment in November 2025. A 27-year-old Congolese national, Benjamin Katabana, has been charged in connection with the murder.
To support the repatriation and burial, the Nigerian Community Norwich created a GoFundMe page 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 donations from 67 people.
Describing Okirie as a “remarkable soul,” the organisers highlighted his selfless nature. He completed an MSc in Development Economics at the University of East Anglia and served as an international student ambassador, known for helping new students settle in. “When friends arrived in the UK with nowhere to stay, he opened his home without hesitation,” the appeal read.
Okirie was remembered for his quiet generosity, calm demeanor, and habit of putting others first. Having no immediate family in the UK, the funds will be used to transport his body to Nigeria and assist with funeral arrangements. “This is our way of giving back to someone who gave so freely of himself,” the community stated.
The tragic incident has united the diaspora in a collective effort to honor a young man whose life was defined by service and kindness.
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