Turin, Italy — The murder of Courage Amadin, a 30-year-old Nigerian resident of Turin, has shocked the Aurora district and sparked debate about safety, drug trafficking, and social neglect in some of the city’s most fragile neighbourhoods. After an intense week-long investigation, police arrested a 34-year-old Nigerian man in Genoa, believed to be responsible for the fatal stabbing.
A Deadly Confrontation in Corso Giulio Cesare
On the evening of 30 July 2025, witnesses in Corso Giulio Cesare 14 reported a violent altercation between two men. Investigators say the fight began near Ponte Mosca, a known hotspot for street-level drug dealing, before moving toward the entrance of an apartment building.
During the confrontation, Courage Amadin was stabbed four times — sustaining wounds to his chest and abdomen. Despite emergency response efforts, he died shortly after. Blood at the scene and testimonies from bystanders provided key leads.
Rapid Investigation and Hunt for the Suspect
The Turin Mobile Squad, coordinated by Deputy Prosecutor Laura Longo, quickly pieced together the attacker’s identity. Investigators used a combination of:
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CCTV footage from nearby streets and tram stops,
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Eyewitness accounts describing the argument and the suspect’s flight,
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Forensic evidence, including blood-stained clothing found in a Turin flat linked to the killer,
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A monopattino (electric scooter) and shoes believed to have been used during the escape.
A fermo di indiziato di delitto (preliminary arrest order) was issued on 1 August. Within days, detectives traced the suspect to Marassi, a neighbourhood in Genoa, where he was hiding in the apartment of another Nigerian national.
On 8 August, Genoa’s police, with support from their Turin counterparts, arrested the man, who reportedly had a fresh cut on his left forearm, possibly sustained during the fight.
Possible Motive: Drug Territory Dispute
Investigators believe the killing may have stemmed from a dispute over street-level drug sales in the Aurora area. Corso Giulio Cesare has long been associated with the narcotics trade and turf tensions, and police say the conflict between Amadin and the suspect likely escalated from business disagreements into lethal violence.
The Victim: A Life Cut Short
Courage Amadin had been living in Turin for several years. He shared an apartment with his partner and their young daughter. Reports indicate the family was under eviction notice at the time of his death, highlighting the precarious economic and social conditions he faced.
While Amadin reportedly had minor previous encounters with police — including being stopped with a small amount of marijuana — friends and neighbours described him as a man trying to provide for his family amid difficult circumstances.
Community Outcry and Safety Concerns
The murder has reignited fears about safety in Aurora, San Salvario, and other vulnerable Turin districts. Local residents and community groups staged spontaneous protests, accusing authorities of leaving the area exposed to drug gangs and criminal networks.
Many also criticised what they described as a “power vacuum” in public safety and urban support, calling for better social policies, housing protections, and policing to prevent further violence.
Next Steps: Judicial Process
The suspect remains in custody and faces charges of voluntary homicide (omicidio volontario). Prosecutors are preparing evidence, including forensic reports and digital records, to support the case. A formal pre-trial hearing is expected in the coming weeks.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the stabbing is linked to larger Nigerian criminal networks operating in northern Italy, although for now the case is treated as an individual dispute rather than an organised-crime hit.
Key Takeaway
Courage Amadin’s death highlights the intersection of poverty, drug trade, and lack of social safety nets in some Turin neighbourhoods. While police acted swiftly to identify and arrest a suspect, residents say more systemic action is needed to prevent similar tragedies.
