A teenager has been formally charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a Nigerian-born university student, Khaleed Oladipo, near a campus in Leicester, United Kingdom.
Oladipo, a 20-year-old student of De Montfort University (DMU), died in hospital on Tuesday, February 3, after he was stabbed on Oxford Street, close to the university’s Innovation Centre on Bonners Lane.
Police have confirmed that Harper Dennis, 18, of North Road, West Drayton, London, has been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
Dennis is expected to appear before Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Khaleed died from a stab wound to the chest.
Khaleed Oladipo described as loving and full of promise
Khaleed Oladipo was in his second year, studying Cyber Security at De Montfort University. His family described him as “an extremely loved son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and friend.”
In an emotional tribute, the family said, “Khaleed was a good boy who loved his family. He was in his second year at university, and we were so proud of him.
One of his main passions was football. He had played since the age of four and was a devoted Arsenal supporter. We believe he was on his way home to watch the game later that night when he was stabbed and killed.”
The family also expressed gratitude to members of the public who attempted to help Khaleed at the scene, as well as the emergency services and hospital staff.
“We are struggling to understand why anyone would do this. We know that getting justice for Khaleed will not bring him back, but we will make sure that he gets the justice he deserves,” they added.
University reacts to tragedy
De Montfort University Vice-Chancellor Professor Katie Normington described the killing as a tragedy deeply felt across the campus and the wider city.
“A family has lost a beloved member, and all our hearts go out to them. This tragedy is deeply felt across our campus and the city.
Khaleed was a member of our DMU community, and we know this loss will be particularly difficult for those who knew him.”
She added that the university is providing direct support to students and staff affected by the loss.
“Seeing a young life and future cut short so tragically is devastating for all of us.”
Investigation ongoing
Detectives from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime Team are continuing investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Leicestershire Police said enquiries are ongoing, including reviewing CCTV footage and speaking with eyewitnesses.
The police have appealed to anyone with relevant information, mobile phone footage, or dash-cam recordings to come forward.
Khaleed was found collapsed at the scene and rushed to Leicester Royal Infirmary, where he died a short time later.
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