Life Imprisonment for Nottingham Murderer Who Killed 23-Year-Old Ex-Girlfriend
A man described by prosecutors as 'obsessed' has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of his 23-year-old former girlfriend in Nottingham. Adedapo Adegbola, aged 40, pleaded guilty last week to killing Stephanie 'Steph' Irons, whose body was discovered at her home in Mapperley on October 21, 2025.
Horrific Attack and Fleeing the Scene
The court heard that Adegbola stabbed Stephanie at her property on Westdale Lane West. Her colleagues grew concerned after receiving messages from her on the night of the attack, which prompted them to alert Nottinghamshire Police. Officers arrived shortly after 10pm and found Stephanie seriously injured in the living room; she was pronounced dead a short time later.
Adegbola fled the scene, leaving behind blood-stained trainers and a jumper on streets in Mapperley and nearby Carlton. He subsequently handed himself in at Oxclose Police Station the following day.
Court Proceedings and Prosecution Details
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court today, Adegbola, of Woodborough Road, Mapperley, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years. Prosecutor Peter Joyce KC told the court that work colleagues had noted Adegbola was acting strangely and that there was tension about the relationship ending.
'It is clear he was bitter about that,' Joyce stated. 'They were seen at work on the morning of October 21, and she later went home. He arrived in a taxi at 5.49pm, forced his way into the home, and was then caught leaving at 7.39pm.'
The prosecutor detailed how Adegbola locked the door behind him, taking Stephanie's keys and phone. He discarded his shoes and shirt, along with the murder weapon, which he had wiped clean of her blood and used on himself in an alleyway. Footprints in the blood indicated he sat on the sofa after killing her.
'It's the prosecution's case that he was obsessed with this woman and could and would not accept this relationship was over,' Joyce concluded.
Second Suspect Charged in Investigation
In a related development, Nottinghamshire Police confirmed on Tuesday that another suspect has been charged in connection with the investigation. Mary Onolunosen, of Leeming Street, Mansfield, has been charged with assisting an offender. The 40-year-old is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on March 6.
Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, the lead investigator, commented: 'This is a truly horrific incident, and Steph’s family and friends continue to be supported by our officers. Our team of investigators have worked extremely hard over the last few months on this case, and I am pleased we have now been able to charge a second suspect in relation to this investigation.'
Tribute to a 'Bright Young Star'
Stephanie's family have paid a heartfelt tribute, describing her as a 'bright young star' with 'an infectious smile and laugh.' In a statement shared by police, they said she was a beautiful, loving, and caring individual who had a compassion for others and always saw good in everybody.
The family highlighted her academic achievements and career aspirations: 'Her ambition to be a psychologist was well on the way after gaining both a degree and masters in clinical psychology. After gaining experience, she was about to apply for her doctorate in clinical psychology.'
They added, 'Our bright young star has had her future taken away, and while we can't comprehend what has happened, she will be forever with us.'
