By Sabiu Abdullahi
Nigerians resident in Norwich, United Kingdom, have commenced a fundraising drive to facilitate the return of the remains of Uchenna Okirie, popularly called “Common Man,” who was stabbed to death in his student residence in November 2025.
Okirie, a Nigerian citizen, was reportedly killed under circumstances that unsettled both residents of the area and members of the Nigerian community in the UK. A 27-year-old Congolese national, Benjamin Katabana, has been charged in connection with the incident.
To raise funds for his repatriation and burial in Nigeria, the Nigerian Community Norwich set up a GoFundMe campaign titled, “Rest in Peace, Uche: Help Us Return Him to His Family.”
As of Wednesday, the appeal had attracted £1,149 from 67 donors, out of a target of £7,000.
In the message accompanying the fundraiser, organisers paid tribute to Okirie, describing him as a kind-hearted and selfless individual who dedicated himself to helping others.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Uchenna Okirie, fondly known by many as ‘Common Man’… Uche was tragically stabbed to death in his home. He was a remarkable soul—steady, genuine, and deeply compassionate,” the statement read.
The community disclosed that Okirie earned a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia during the 2021/2022 academic session. During his time at the institution, he also served as an international student ambassador.
He was said to be well known among students for assisting newcomers to the UK as they settled into their new environment.
“When friends arrived in the UK with nowhere to stay, he opened his home without hesitation… When someone needed help setting up a bank account, searching for a job, or navigating a new environment, Uche showed up,” the organisers stated.
They further noted that his calm nature, sincerity, and habit of placing others first earned him deep respect, adding that he would be remembered for his “unique smile, quiet generosity, and habit of placing others’ comfort above his own.”
According to the Nigerian Community Norwich, Okirie left behind friends, classmates, and colleagues who were deeply affected by his death. The group explained that the funds would cover the cost of transporting his body to Nigeria and support burial arrangements, as he had no immediate family members in the UK.
“This is our way of giving back to someone who gave so freely of himself. No contribution is too small, and every donation brings us closer to giving Uche the farewell he deserves,” the organisers added.