Mother’s touching tribute to son as his killer is sentenced

The mother of university student Kwabena Osei-Poku, previously known as Alfred, has released a moving tribute to her son as his killer is sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison.

On the night of Sunday, April 23, Joyce Osei-Poku was delivered the worst news a mother can hear - that her beloved son Alfred had been murdered.

The incident had taken place at about 8.40pm in New South Bridge Road, Northampton, when Alfred, originally from Peterborough, was stabbed following an incident which started on the University of Northampton campus.

Sadly, and despite the best efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene.

Melvin Lebaga-Idubor, aged 19, previously of Northampton, was found guilty of murder and possession of a knife in connection with Alfred’s death at the end of a trial at Northampton Crown Court last November. Yesterday, (February 7) he returned to the same court where he was sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison. 

Antonio Huian, aged 18, also previously of Northampton, was also sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for 21 months, after pleading guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Now, Alfred’s mother Joyce has written the following tribute to her son and hopes that his death will encourage other young people to say “no to a knife and yes to life”.

She writes:

“The pain I feel as a result of Alfred’s murder is so great I cannot put it into words. It lives with me every day. He is the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing on my mind before I go to sleep.

“Sometimes I find it so difficult that I have to lock myself away from my younger children and just cry and cry. I don’t want them to see me upset, but it is so hard to carry on as normal.

“I remember all the great things about Alfred all the time - his kindness, how I could always depend on him, the close a relationship we shared, and how he always wanted to help people younger than him, which he did through his voluntary work with High Heritage.  

“These thoughts make me smile but they also break my heart because they remind me of just how much potential he had and how we will never be able to create any new memories together.

“I want people to understand how much devastation a knife can cause a family. And I mean really truly understand.

“Look at a knife and take the time to realise that in one movement you can destroy lives infinitely and forever.

“If you have a conflict with someone, please do not react in anger and use a knife. Do not use a knife to lash out. Do not think that carrying one will not have fatal consequences.

“Instead, please say no to a knife and yes to life.

“I wish I could go back in time and save my son.”

Now the court proceedings have concluded, Joyce also wanted to thank the investigative team at the East Midlands Special Operations Unit.

She added: “I want to take this opportunity to thank the team at Northamptonshire Police, particularly Detective Inspector Simon Barnes, Detective Sergeant Matt Bly, Detective Constable Mark Allbright and Detective Constable Lee Chennell.

“As a family, we were very impressed by just how personally they took the investigation into Alfred’s death - working day and night to find out what had happened and to get us justice.

“On every day of the trial, they facilitated parking for us near the court in Northampton, ensured we were always kept updated, and provided us with encouragement and emotional support. They truly went above and beyond.

“Nothing will bring my precious son back, but I am grateful to them that justice has been served and for their support of my family and I.”

“A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” — Maya Angelou