Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty To Murder Of 23-yr-old Girlfriend Stephanie Irons In UK

A Nigerian citizen, Adedapo Adegbola, 40, who moved to the United Kingdom in 2022, has pleaded guilty to the murder of 23-year-old Stephanie “Steph” Irons at her home in Mapperley, Nottinghamshire.

Adegbola admitted the charge before Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, January 26, 2026, and has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing scheduled for February 5, 2026.

Police said Adegbola and Ms. Irons had been in a relationship after meeting as co-workers but had recently broken up before the fatal attack.

Emergency services were called to Steph’s home at around 10:07 p.m., where they discovered her with knife wounds in the living room. Despite efforts by paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to investigators, Ms. Irons’ colleagues raised the alarm after receiving a series of “concerning messages.”

Following the attack, Adegbola fled the scene, discarding blood-stained trainers and a jumper along the streets of Mapperley and Carlton. He later travelled through Mansfield, Worksop, Sheffield, and Hull, before eventually handing himself over to police.

Detective Stuart Barson, who led the investigation, described the case as “tragic.”

“This is a tragic case in which a caring and compassionate young woman was taken away in horrific circumstances,” DI Barson said.

“Following the attack on Miss Irons, Adegbola made no attempt to call for an ambulance, and was concerned only with getting away from the scene and attempting to dispose of vital evidence.

“I want to thank Miss Irons’ family for the incredible strength that they have shown through this process. I hope that this outcome assists Steph’s family in coming to terms with such a dreadful loss.”

In a heartfelt tribute, Ms. Irons’ family described her as someone whose warmth touched everyone she met.

“She had an infectious smile and laugh which lit up any room she walked into,” the family said.
“She was a beautiful, loving and caring daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. She had a compassion for others and would always see good in everybody. She had a huge heart and wore it on her sleeve.”