Nigeria: Teenager charged with murder after UK stabbing that killed Nigerian man

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a Nigerian man, John Onetufo, in the Lewisham area of London on New Year’s Eve.

Onetufo, 23, was attacked on the night of December 31 in Grove Street after police received a distress call. Officers and paramedics rushed to the scene, where he was found with serious stab wounds to the chest. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the location.

Investigators say significant progress has been made in the case, with two arrests already carried out as police continue to piece together what led to the deadly incident.

The teenage suspect, whose identity is being withheld due to his age, was formally charged with murder and is expected to appear before a youth court in Bromley.

A second suspect, a 23-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been released on bail while investigations continue. An 18-year-old woman was also taken into custody on suspicion of attempting to interfere with the investigation and has likewise been granted bail.

Police have described the case as tragic and say inquiries are still ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing, while assuring the public that those responsible will be held accountable.