A 40-year-old Nigerian man has pleaded guilty to the murder of 23-year-old Stephanie Irons, a former colleague with whom he had a brief relationship, in a case described by police as "tragic" and "horrific."
Adedapo Adegbola, of Woodborough Road, Mapperley, entered his plea during a hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, January 26. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 5 and faces a mandatory life sentence.
Victim Found at Home After Concerning Messages
Stephanie Irons' body was discovered by emergency services on October 21, 2025, after they were called to an address on Westdale Lane West in Mapperley. The alarm had been raised by concerned co-workers who received disturbing messages from her on the evening of the attack.
Police revealed that Adegbola fatally wounded Irons while visiting her home after their short-lived relationship had ended. Following the attack, he fled the scene without attempting to call for medical assistance.
Flight and Surrender
After the killing, Adegbola traveled through several towns—including Mansfield, Worksop, Sheffield, and Hull—before returning to Nottingham the following day, where he turned himself in. During police interviews, he offered no comment.
Evidence collected included blood-stained trainers and a jumper left on streets in Mapperley and Carlton.
Police Statement and Family Impact
Detective Inspector Stuart Barson described Irons as "a caring and compassionate young woman" taken from her family "in horrific circumstances." He noted that Adegbola's primary concern after the attack was evading capture and disposing of evidence.
Barson also expressed gratitude for the strength shown by Irons' family throughout the investigation. Victim impact statements are currently being prepared by the prosecution.
Adedapo Adegbola, who relocated to the UK in 2022, will learn the minimum term of his life sentence in February. Members of Stephanie Irons' family were present in court during the hearing.
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