An inquest has heard that an asylum seeker who sustained fatal injuries during a violent altercation in Dublin city centre earlier this year died from a stab wound to the chest, reports Breaking News.
Quham Babatunde (34), a former football player originally from Nigeria, passed away due to injuries he suffered during an incident on Anne Street South in the early morning of February 15th.
At the time, Mr Babatunde was residing in a centre for international protection applicants in Ballyogan, south Dublin, while his asylum application was under review. He was taken by ambulance to St James’s Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, reports Breaking News.
During the opening of the inquest into his death at Dublin District Coroner’s Court on Monday, Faith Akpobome, a friend of the deceased, gave testimony identifying Mr Babatunde’s body to gardaà at Dublin City Mortuary in Whitehall.
Ms Akpobome stated that she had known Mr Babatunde since May 2024 and confirmed that she had spoken with his uncle, Adeola Olayokun, in Nigeria to get approval to assist gardaà with the identification process, reports Breaking News.
The court was told that fingerprint evidence had also helped confirm his identity, with Forensic Science Ireland matching his prints with those he had given to the International Protection Office during his asylum application.
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Coroner Clare Keane stated that a postmortem examination carried out by State pathologist Sally Anne Collis found the cause of death to be a stab wound to the chest, reports Breaking News.
Detective Inspector Katharina Joyce requested an adjournment of the inquest under Section 25 (2) of the Coroners Act, citing that criminal proceedings were already underway regarding Mr Babatunde’s death.
As part of the investigation into the incident, nine individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with Mr Babatunde’s death, reports Breaking News.
Ryan Ndede (23), of Boroimhe Birches, Swords, Co Dublin, was charged with the murder of Quham Babatunde. He was remanded in custody after appearing before Belfast Magistrate’s Court on February 21st, following his arrest by the PSNI as he attempted to travel to England by ferry.
David Oloo Omee (19), of The Lawn, St Marnock’s Bay, Dublin 13, faces charges of violent disorder alongside others on Anne Street South and assault causing harm to Adetola Adetuilehim, a friend of Mr Babatunde, reports Breaking News.
Rory Carr (21), from Ard na Greine, Seapoint Lane, Balbriggan, is accused of assaulting both Mr Babatunde and Mr Adetuilehim on Anne Street South, as well as participating in violent disorder.
Jeffrey Bangu (21), of Cardy Rock Crescent, Balbriggan, has been charged with assaulting Mr Babatunde at Duke Lane and Mr Adetuilehim on Anne Street South, reports Breaking News.
He also faces charges of violent disorder and producing a knife during the altercation.
Sean Forde (23), from Bath Road, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, is facing charges of violent disorder on Anne Street South, reports Breaking News.
John Eghomwanre (23), of Dun Emer Glade, Lusk, Co Dublin, has been charged with assault causing harm to Mr Babatunde on Anne Street South and to Mr Adetuilehim on Duke Lane, along with violent disorder.
Bakuani Diavisi (25), residing at Cardy Rock, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, is accused of assaulting another male on Dawson Street, Dublin 2, on the same date, reports Breaking News.
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