A court in Cork has convicted a 22-year-old Nigerian man, Martin Ekhosuehi, for aggravated burglary, assault causing harm, and making threats to kill following a violent attack on two students in July 2023.
The jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court found Ekhosuehi guilty after he and an accomplice allegedly broke into a rented student house on Highfield Avenue, College Road, Cork, on July 2, 2023. According to a report by The Irish Times, the pair carried out a terrifying hour-long assault on the occupants while demanding money and drugs.
Ekhosuehi, who lived at Willow Gardens in Glanmire, County Cork, had pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the court heard detailed evidence describing how the attack unfolded that evening.
Investigating officer Eoghain O’Callaghan told the court that at about 7pm, the suspects forced their way into the students’ home. One of the attackers wore an all-black tracksuit, a ski mask and blue latex gloves, and carried a large kitchen knife, while the other wore black clothing and gloves and was armed with a flathead screwdriver.
The two victims were reportedly held at knifepoint while the intruders searched the house for cocaine and cash. During the attack, the students were struck on the head and repeatedly threatened.
At one point, one of the attackers warned them that he would begin cutting off their fingers if they failed to produce money or drugs.
The suspects eventually left with just €30 in cash and the victims’ mobile phones, escaping through the back door of the property.
However, a glove left behind at the scene became key evidence in the investigation. Forensic analysis later revealed a fingerprint that matched Ekhosuehi. He was also identified as a suspect by two Garda officers who reviewed CCTV footage.
One of the victims had been on the phone with his girlfriend in Drogheda when the break-in occurred. Concerned by strange noises and the sudden end of the call, she alerted the police.
Security officers soon arrived at the house and announced their presence by knocking on the door and speaking through the letterbox. The attackers reportedly warned the students that they would be killed if they attempted to respond or contact the police.
After the suspects fled, officers returned to the property and found the victims visibly shaken, with cuts on their faces. Both told investigators they had been punched and repeatedly threatened with death during the ordeal.
Court records also revealed that Ekhosuehi had 14 previous convictions. These included offences related to drug possession, drug dealing, money laundering, and possession of knives.
Delivering judgment, Judge Sinead Behan described the crime as carefully planned and executed.
She noted that the attackers had deliberately concealed their identities and arrived with weapons, showing clear intent to commit the crime.
According to the judge, aggravated burglary normally carries a starting sentence of 12 years. However, she reduced the term to 11 years and suspended the final two years, taking into account Ekhosuehi’s young age and the support he receives from his family.
He will therefore serve nine years in prison.
