Nottingham Crown Court has sentenced 40-year-old Adedapo Adegbola to life imprisonment for the murder of his former girlfriend, 23-year-old university student Steph Irons.
According to reports, Adegbola admitted to killing Irons at her home in Mapperley on October 21, 2025, following the end of their brief relationship. The court heard that the pair met while working together and dated for a short time before separating.
Prosecutors told the court that Adegbola became obsessed with Irons after the breakup. He subsequently purchased two knives online and travelled by taxi to her residence. He attacked her outside the house as she took out the trash before forcing his way inside, where he stabbed her multiple times.
Concern was raised when Irons’ colleagues received disturbing messages sent from her phone, prompting police intervention. Officers later discovered her body in the living room of the property, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
After the killing, Adegbola fled the area, discarding bloodstained clothing and other items along streets in Mapperley and Carlton. Nottinghamshire Police said he travelled through Mansfield, Worksop, Sheffield, and Hull before eventually surrendering to authorities.
Although he refused to answer questions during police interviews, investigators were able to piece together his movements before and after the attack using available evidence.
The court imposed a life sentence on Adegbola, ordering that he serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, the lead investigator, described Irons as a “kind and compassionate young woman” whose life ended in “terrifying circumstances.” He said Adegbola made no attempt to seek medical help for her and instead chose to flee while disposing of evidence.
In a victim impact statement, Irons’ mother said the family had been left “devastated” by her daughter’s death. She described Steph as loving and caring, with aspirations of pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology and a future full of promise.
