Two jailed for five years over assault preceding Dublin murder

Faraj Odukoya and John Eghomwanre have been sentenced to five years for attacking Quham Babatunde, who was later stabbed to death in Dublin city centre.

Five-year sentences handed down for violent Dublin city centre attack

RTÉ News reports that two Dublin men have been jailed for five years each over a violent assault on Quham Babatunde, a 34-year-old who was subsequently stabbed to death during the same incident in Dublin city centre on 15 February 2025.

Faraj Odukoya, 20, of Hamlet Lane, Balbriggan, and John Eghomwanre, 25, of Dun Emer Glade, Lusk, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Mr Babatunde on South Anne Street and to assaulting his friend Adetola Adetuilehim at Duke Lane on the same night.

Detective Sergeant Pat Traynor told the court that the violence took place outside Twenty Two, a nightclub in Dublin city centre. Both men were the first to attack Mr Babatunde, shoving, pushing and punching him repeatedly before a third individual stabbed him four times, inflicting fatal injuries. His companion was also seriously hurt in the attack.

Both men were arrested the following month. While Odukoya identified himself on CCTV footage, Eghomwanre did not cooperate with gardaí. Both have prior convictions for drugs offences, including drug dealing.

Odukoya was additionally sentenced for two counts of burglary at Footlocker Sports Shops in Dublin on 23 November 2023, during the Dublin riots. His defence counsel described the looting as "opportunistic" and noted that Odukoya had been the victim of racist bullying during his schooling, leaving without any qualifications.

The court heard that both men are remorseful and acknowledge the pain caused to Mr Babatunde's family and loved ones.

Judge Martin Nolan said the pair had engaged in serious violence when they attacked Mr Babatunde and others that night. While he noted they could not be held legally responsible for Mr Babatunde's death, he stated their actions could not be excused. He sentenced both to five years in prison, to cover all offences.

Source: RTÉ News