A United Kingdom court has remanded a 32-year-old man, Maxwell Oguanaya, in custody over the alleged murder of a 41-year-old Nigerian, Taiwo Ekerin, following a violent altercation in Lewisham, London.
The Punch reported that Metropolitan Police confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, noting that Oguanaya was formally charged with murder after Ekerin died from injuries sustained during the incident.
Officers said they were called to Lewisham High Street at about 4:40am on May 24 after reports of an altercation.
According to the police, Ekerin later died from his injuries and was pronounced dead on May 30.
The statement read, “Police were called at around 04:40hrs on Sunday, 24 May, to Lewisham High Street following reports of an altercation.
“Officers attended the scene and discovered a 41-year-old man with a serious head injury. He was treated at the scene by colleagues from the London Ambulance Service and taken to the hospital. On Saturday, 30 May, he was sadly pronounced dead.
“He can now be named Taiwo Ekerin. His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.”
The Metropolitan Police added that Oguanaya, of Eastfield Road, Enfield, was arrested on suspicion of murder on June 4 and charged the following day.
He later appeared before Ealing Magistrates’ Court on June 5 and was remanded in custody pending further hearings.
The statement added, “Maxwell Oguanaya, 32 (21.07.1993), of Eastfield Road, Enfield, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, 4 June.
“He was charged on Friday, 5 June, and appeared at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on the same day. He was remanded in custody and will next appear on Tuesday, June 9,” the police added.
A second suspect, a 34-year-old man, was also arrested on suspicion of murder on June 5 and remains in custody as investigations continue.
Police have not yet disclosed the exact circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation.
Meanwhile, Ekerin’s brother, Kehinde Ekerin, said the deceased died following what he described as an unprovoked attack during a night out.
In a GoFundMe appeal, he called for public assistance to help with funeral arrangements.
“It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we share the passing of our beloved Taiwo Ekerin, who tragically lost his life following an unprovoked attack during a night out.
Born on 25th December 1984, Ekerin was a much-loved father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He shared a special bond with his twin brother, and his loss left an unimaginable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.
“Above all, Taiwo was a devoted father to his daughter, who now faces the future without her dad. He was known for his warmth, kindness, sense of humour, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. His life was taken far too soon, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this devastating tragedy.
“As we prepare to lay Taiwo to rest, we are asking for support to help cover funeral expenses and give him the dignified farewell he deserves. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help ease the financial burden on the family during this incredibly difficult time,” the appeal read.
So far, £3,710 has been raised out of a £10,000 target.
In a related development, PUNCH Metro also reported that a 28-year-old Congolese man, Benjamin Katabana, was found guilty of murdering a UK-based Nigerian student, Uchenna Okirie, following a fatal stabbing at shared accommodation in Norwich, England.
Katabana was convicted by a jury at Norwich Crown Court after an 11-day trial.
