Three men have been handed life sentences totalling 81 years for the brutal murder of 19-year-old Emmanuel Nyabako in Chapeltown, Leeds. The tragic incident, which occurred on August 26, 2023, shocked the community and has now reached its legal conclusion with the sentencing of the perpetrators.
Jozeffi Jeffers, 28, Phillip Bryant, 33, and Emile Riggon, 23, were each sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years following their conviction for murder at Leeds Crown Court. The sentences reflect the severity of the crime and the court’s commitment to delivering justice for the victim and his family.
Emmanuel Nyabako was fatally attacked in what the prosecution described as a “vicious and unprovoked” assault. The young man was well-liked in his community, and his death has left a deep void among his friends and loved ones. The court heard how the three men carried out the attack with chilling determination, leading to Nyabako’s untimely death.
During the trial, evidence was presented that highlighted the premeditated nature of the crime, with the defendants showing no remorse for their actions. The judge, in delivering the sentences, condemned the brutal nature of the attack, stating that the three men would serve a minimum of 27 years each before being considered for parole.
The court has today delivered a sentence that reflects the gravity of this heinous crime,” the judge said during sentencing. The loss of Emmanuel Nyabako is a tragedy that has deeply affected his family and the wider community. These sentences ensure that those responsible for this senseless murder are held accountable for their actions.
The sentencing brings a sense of closure to a case that has gripped the city of Leeds for nearly a year. However, the pain and loss felt by Emmanuel’s family and friends remain profound. Outside the court, members of Nyabako’s family expressed their relief that justice had been served, but also their enduring grief over the loss of a young life with so much potential.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Winfield, who led the investigation, praised the dedication of her team in bringing the offenders to justice. “This was a complex and challenging investigation, but we were determined to ensure that those responsible for Emmanuel’s death were held to account. Our thoughts remain with Emmanuel’s family, and we hope today’s sentences provide them with some comfort.”
As the three men begin their lengthy sentences, the case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence. The community of Chapeltown continues to mourn the loss of Emmanuel Nyabako, a young man whose life was cut tragically short.
