Nigeria: UK teen jailed for life for killing girl over teddy bear
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
A London court has sentenced an 18-year-old teenage boy to life in prison for the brutal murder of a 15-year-old schoolgirl over a teddy bear. Hassan Sentamu was handed a minimum term of 23 years for the fatal stabbing of Elianne Andam in Croydon, south London,
The tragic incident occurred as Elianne was on her way to school, where she was attacked by Sentamu, who was the ex-boyfriend of one of her friends. The altercation stemmed from a dispute between the two teenagers over returning personal belongings, including a stuffed toy bear.
Sentenced for murder and possession of a knife in January after a trial, Sentamu was described by the presiding judge as being driven by a “short temper and aggressive tendencies.” The judge condemned his actions as “senseless and evil,” highlighting the brutal nature of the crime that led to Elianne’s untimely death.
In a poignant moment during the sentencing, Elianne’s father, Michael Andam, expressed the torment of not being able to save his daughter during her final moments. He spoke about the anguish of wondering if she called out for him, hoping for rescue that never came.
Elianne’s mother, Dorcas Andam, painted a picture of a vibrant, creative, and purposeful daughter who had dreams of becoming a lawyer. She spoke of Elianne’s loving nature and the loss that reverberates through their family in the wake of her tragic death.
The court heard how Sentamu acted in a “white hot rage” following an incident where he felt teased by the girls. His merciless killing of Elianne as she pleaded for mercy was described as a callous act devoid of remorse, showcasing a disregard for the value of her life.
As Sentamu sat in the dock with tears in his eyes, the judge addressed the increasing concern over fatal knife attacks involving teenagers in the nation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has labeled rising knife crime a “national crisis,” indicating the gravity of such violent incidents.
The haunting absence of Elianne’s laughter, music, and dreams now leaves a deafening silence in her loved ones’ lives. The impact of her loss and the cruel manner of her death serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of senseless violence in society.
The tragic case serves as a reflection of the need for urgent measures to address the growing threat of knife crime among youth, echoing the broader call for proactive interventions to curb such violence and prevent further tragedies from unfolding.
