A third man has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of Quam Babatunde, a 34-year-old Nigerian asylum seeker, following a violent altercation in Dublin city over the weekend. The victim, who had been living at the Ballyogan International Protection Accommodation Centre in South Dublin, died after being stabbed multiple times during a fight at a nightclub in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Babatunde, who attended an African music night at the Twenty Two club on South Anne Street, was fatally injured when a confrontation between two groups inside the club spilled onto the street. Gardaí responded to the scene shortly after 3 a.m. on Saturday and found Babatunde unresponsive with serious injuries. Despite emergency treatment, he was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly afterward. A second man, also in his 30s, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The Gardaí investigation, which is progressing rapidly, has so far led to the arrest of three individuals. One suspect was apprehended in Belfast, attempting to flee to the UK, while a second man was arrested in Co. Dublin. The third man, also in his 20s, was detained earlier this week in Dublin. Gardaí have collected significant CCTV footage and other evidence from the scene, which they believe will lead to more arrests.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan expressed concern over the shocking nature of the crime, especially considering the violence took place in a popular nightlife area. He noted that acts of street violence, such as this one, are unacceptable in Ireland. The incident has sparked calls for more visible Garda presence in Dublin city centre, particularly at night.
Local businesses near the scene of the stabbing, including the Gotham Cafe on South Anne Street, were affected by the cordoning off of the area for investigation. Business owners, including Patrick O’Neill of Massimo suit shop, have called for increased police patrols to prevent similar incidents.
The tragic event has also drawn attention to the ongoing issue of public safety in Dublin, with Opposition politicians demanding stronger measures to tackle street violence. Gardaí have urged anyone with information or footage of the incident between 2:45 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. on Saturday to come forward as they continue to piece together the details surrounding Babatunde’s death.
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