Four students appear in court in University of Northampton murder investigation

The 19-year-old University of Northampton student who was murdered in New South Bridge Road has been named as Kwabena Osei-Poku, previously known as Alfred. credit northampton police
Kwabena Osei-Poku, also known as Alfred, died on Sunday night after being stabbed near his university campus. Credit: Northamptonshire Police

Four students have appeared in court after a 19-year-old was stabbed to death near a university campus.

Kwabena (or Alfred) Osei-Poku, a University of Northampton student from Peterborough, died on Sunday evening.

Northamptonshire Police said the incident started on campus, before the teenager died on New Southbridge Road.

Three men and one woman have been charged in connection with the incident.

University of Northampton confirmed all four were registered as students there and will now be suspended pending the outcome of a criminal trial.

Ogechi Eke and Melvin Lebaga-Idubor, both aged 19 and from London, have been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

They appeared at Northampton Magistrates' Court on Friday and were both remanded in custody to appear at Northampton Crown Court next Tuesday.

Antonio Huian, 18, of Northampton, and Zhanae Forbes-Coleman, 19, of north London, were both charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.

They were denied bail on Friday and ordered to appear before a Crown Court judge on 12 June.

University of Northampton Vice Chancellor Anne-Marie Kilday said: “The University of Northampton would like to thank Northamptonshire Police for their swift and decisive actions following the death of Kwabena Osei-Poku, and extend our gratitude to our community and neighbours for their resilience during such an unprecedented, difficult time.

"Following the charges brought against these individuals we will continue to closely support staff and students while assisting officers with their enquiries.”

Earlier in the week the vice-chancellor paid tribute to Mr Osei-Poku, who had been studying advertising and digital marketing.

She said the university was "heartbroken" at his "senseless death".

Northamptonshire Police said neighbourhood policing officers would continue to carry out extra patrols in the New Southbridge Road area.

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