A court in the United Kingdom has kept a 32-year-old man, Maxwell Oguanaya, in custody for the alleged murder of a 41-year-old Nigerian named Taiwo Ekerin. This follows an attack in Lewisham, London.
The Metropolitan Police shared this information in a statement obtained by PUNCH Metro on Sunday.
The police said Oguanaya was charged with murder after Ekerin died from injuries he got during a fight.
Officers were called to Lewisham High Street around 4:40am on May 24 after reports of a fight. They found Ekerin had suffered serious head injuries.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service before being taken to the hospital. Sadly, he was pronounced dead on May 30.
The statement said, “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 reported that Oguanaya, who lives on Eastfield Road in Enfield, was arrested on June 4 on suspicion of murder. He was charged the next day.
Oguanaya appeared in Ealing Magistrates’ Court on June 5, where he was kept in custody while waiting for further court dates.
The police said he is set to appear in court again on June 9.
“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.
The police also mentioned that a second man, aged 34, was arrested on suspicion of murder on June 5. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Details about the fight that led to Ekerin’s death have not been released yet.
Taiwo’s brother, Kehinde Ekerin, confirmed that Taiwo died from an unprovoked attack during a night out.
In a GoFundMe appeal, Kehinde said the family needs public support to pay for the funeral costs.
“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 December 25, 1984, Ekerin was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He had a special bond with his twin brother, and his loss has created a big gap in the lives of those 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 freely gave to those around him. His life was taken too soon, and our family is struggling to cope with this 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 tough time,” the appeal read.
As of now, £3,710 has been raised out of the £10,000 goal.
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