Members of the Nigerian community in Norwich, United Kingdom, have launched a fundraising drive to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of a Nigerian student, Uchenna Okirie, who was stabbed to death in his apartment in November 2025.
Okirie, popularly called “Common Man,” was killed in what residents described as a shocking incident that unsettled both the local community and Nigerians in the diaspora.
A 27-year-old Congolese national, Benjamin Katabana, has since been charged in connection with the incident.
To enable his burial in Nigeria, 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 from 67 donors, out of a target of £7,000.
In the fundraising message, organisers described Okirie as a kind-hearted and selfless individual who devoted much of his time to supporting others, especially fellow Nigerians and international students.
They noted that Okirie completed a Master’s degree in Development Economics at the University of East Anglia during the 2021/2022 academic session, where he also served as an international student ambassador.
According to the group, he was widely known for assisting newly arrived students, offering accommodation, guidance and practical help as they adjusted to life in the UK.
They added that his calm disposition, sincerity and consistent willingness to put others first endeared him to many, describing him as a dependable source of support whose kindness left a lasting impact.
The community said Okirie is survived by friends, classmates and colleagues whose lives he touched, noting that he had no immediate family members in the UK.
Funds realised from the appeal, they explained, will be used to transport his remains to Nigeria and cover funeral expenses, as part of efforts to give him a befitting burial.
The organisers appealed for continued support, saying every contribution would help honour the memory of a man who gave generously to others during his lifetime.