Killer Grinned in Police Interview After Fatal Stamping of Mother
Chilling footage has emerged showing a convicted murderer laughing and grinning in police custody after being shown video evidence of his brutal attack on a complete stranger. Chukwuemeka Ahanonu, 24, launched a vicious, unprovoked assault on 56-year-old mother Nila Patel moments after flipping his BMW on its roof in broad daylight in Leicester city centre.
Horrific Details of the Random Attack
The court heard that Ahanonu had only been released from prison on licence a year before the fatal attack on Mrs Patel, who was simply walking home after alighting from a bus. Prosecutors described how the defendant pulled Mrs Patel from behind, punched her in the face with such force that she fell to the pavement, then kicked and stamped on her as she lay defenseless on the ground.
"She was stamped on the face," prosecutor Mary Prior told Leicester Crown Court. "She did nothing to cause the attack and could not defend herself. This happened in broad daylight in Leicester city centre."
Disturbing Custody Footage Revealed
Perhaps most disturbing was the police interview footage showing Ahanonu's reaction when officers showed him video of his own attack on Mrs Patel. The defendant laughed and grinned throughout the viewing, telling police: "If I don't laugh, I cry."
When asked about the killing, Ahanonu claimed he couldn't remember it, but insisted: "I don't remember killing her, but I need to see it, bro." He later added: "I've never touched a woman in my life."
Dangerous Driving Preceded the Attack
The court heard that Ahanonu's BMW 1 Series had been seen driving erratically and dangerously around the city centre moments before the fatal collision. He was swerving across lanes, driving through traffic lights, and heading toward a bus stop where people were waiting and pedestrians were crossing the road.
His vehicle eventually veered out of control onto an island at a junction, demolishing railings before flipping onto its roof and hitting a second set of railings at the roadside. The crash occurred outside Leicester Royal Infirmary at 5:32pm on the day of the attack.
Drug Use and Criminal History
Following his arrest, it was discovered that Ahanonu had been smoking cannabis and had dealer bags of the drug with him in his vehicle. Tests revealed he was almost four times the legal driving limit for cannabis at the time of the attack, though no alcohol was found in his system.
The trial heard that Ahanonu paid for his flat, his BMW, his living expenses and drug use by selling cannabis while claiming universal credit. Prosecutor Mary Prior revealed he earned approximately £10,000 per month from drug dealing while receiving benefits.
Previous Convictions and Licence Status
The court was told that Ahanonu had been given a suspended sentence in June 2023 after being convicted of possession with intent to supply cannabis at his university flat. His car was then stopped by police in August and September 2023, with officers finding a machete and cannabis during the second stop.
This led to a 24-month prison sentence for offences including possession of a bladed article and breaching a suspended sentence order. Ahanonu was released on licence on July 19, 2024, and was still on licence when he attacked and killed Mrs Patel on June 25 of last year.
Victim Remembered as Kind-Hearted Soul
Mrs Patel, who was 5ft 4ins tall, was described by her family as a "beautiful, vibrant soul" and "one of the most kind-hearted people you could ever meet." She had been speaking to a dear friend on the telephone when she was attacked.
The mother-of-two sustained catastrophic brain injuries during the assault and died in hospital two days later, never having regained consciousness.
Police Response and Investigation
Detective Inspector Emma Matts, the Senior Investigating Officer for Leicestershire Police, described Ahanonu's driving before the collision as "frightening and disturbing." She added: "This was the most horrific, violent and random attack by a stranger on a kind, gentle and loving woman who was simply making her way home."
Security officers from the nearby Leicester Royal Infirmary rushed to the scene after the crash and managed to restrain Ahanonu until police arrived. Following a five-week trial, Ahanonu was convicted of murder on Monday at Leicester Crown Court, having previously admitted manslaughter, dangerous driving, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, and assault of an emergency worker.
The 24-year-old, originally from Peckham in south-east London but living in Leicester at the time of the attack, is due to be sentenced today at the same court.
