Dublin Stabbing: Man Remanded in Custody

A 21-year-old man, Jeffrey Bangu, has been charged with multiple offenses in connection with the fatal stabbing of asylum seeker Quham Babatunde in Dublin. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, February 15th, 2025, on Anne Street South, has sent shockwaves through the city and sparked a major investigation.

The charges against Mr. Bangu include assault causing harm to Mr. Babatunde and another man, Adetola Adetuilehim, who was also injured in the incident. The altercation reportedly began at a music event and spilled out onto the street. Mr. Bangu is also charged with engaging in violent disorder and producing a knife during the fight. Mr. Adetuilehim sustained injuries requiring hospitalization.

Court Proceedings and Bail

Mr. Bangu appeared before Judge Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court on Tuesday, February 18th. Dressed in a dark grey tracksuit, he remained silent throughout the brief hearing. Garda David Dolan testified that Mr. Bangu was charged shortly after 2 am at Pearse Street station and made no reply to the charges. While Garda Dolan indicated there would be strenuous objections to any bail application, defense counsel Kyle Talbot stated that no such application was being made at this time. Judge Murphy, however, stipulated that gardaí must receive 48 hours' notice of any future bail application. Mr. Bangu was remanded in custody to appear via video link at Cloverhill District Court on February 25th for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Legal aid was granted considering the accused's unemployment.

The Victim: Quham Babatunde

Quham Babatunde, a 34-year-old Nigerian asylum seeker, was found unresponsive at the scene of the stabbing and subsequently pronounced dead at St. James's Hospital. He had been residing at the Ballyogan accommodation centre in south Dublin while awaiting the processing of his asylum application. This tragic event has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of asylum seekers in Ireland.

Ongoing Investigation and Arrests

The investigation into Mr. Babatunde's death is ongoing, with multiple arrests made. In addition to Mr. Bangu, another man remains in Garda custody in Dublin. Further complicating the situation, a 23-year-old man was apprehended by the PSNI in Belfast shortly before boarding a ferry to Ireland. This individual is currently detained at a Northern Ireland police station. The collaborative efforts between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI underscore the seriousness of this investigation.

A Community in Mourning

The death of Mr. Babatunde has deeply affected the community, particularly those supporting asylum seekers in Ireland. Numerous sources have highlighted Mr. Babatunde's residence at Ballyogan IPAS accommodation centre, suggesting a wider impact on the community of asylum seekers living there. The incident has sparked conversations about the safety and challenges faced by vulnerable groups within society.

Calls for Information and Justice

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal for information related to the incident. They are urging anyone who may have witnessed the events on Anne Street South/Duke Lane Upper between 2:45 am and 3:30 am on February 15th to come forward. Any mobile phone footage or dash-cam recordings from the vicinity of Dawson Street and St. Stephen's Green during that time are also of interest to investigators. The authorities’ determined pursuit of justice emphasizes the severity of the situation and the commitment to solving this case.

Justice for Quham

The investigation into the death of Quham Babatunde is far from over. While Jeffrey Bangu's arrest and remand represent a significant step, the ongoing efforts of An Garda Síochána and the PSNI are crucial in bringing all those responsible to justice. The outpouring of grief and concern from the community highlights the deep impact of this tragedy. The case will undoubtedly be subject to further legal proceedings, shaping public discourse on violence, asylum seeker safety, and the broader pursuit of justice within Ireland.

The details of the investigation are constantly evolving, and further updates are anticipated as the process moves forward. The community awaits the full account of the events and the ultimate resolution of this tragic case. The legal process will unfold in due course, providing clarity and hopefully, justice for Quham Babatunde. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of community safety and the urgent need for ongoing support for vulnerable members of society.