23-Year-Old Nigerian Stabbed to Death in London, Suspects Held

The United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police have arrested two suspects following the fatal stabbing of a 23-year-old Nigerian, John Temitope Onetufo, in south-east London.

According to a statement issued by the Met Police, the incident occurred on New Year’s Eve in Grove Street, Lewisham. Officers were alerted to the stabbing at about 12:35 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31.

Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, responded to the scene, where Onetufo was found with a stab wound to the chest. Despite medical intervention, he was pronounced dead at the scene. He was later identified as a resident of Deptford.

The police confirmed that a 17-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man were arrested on January 2 in connection with the killing. Investigations are ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, who is leading the investigation, said the arrests marked progress but emphasised that inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“My team has worked relentlessly over recent days to pursue every line of enquiry, and I can confirm that two arrests have now been made in connection with this tragic incident,” Townsend said. “Our investigation remains ongoing.”

She also appealed to members of the public with information to come forward and expressed condolences to the victim’s family and friends, assuring them that those responsible would be held accountable.

The killing adds to growing concerns over knife-related violence in the United Kingdom. In August 2025, the Met Police confirmed the death of another Nigerian, 60-year-old Nkiru Chima, who was found with multiple stab wounds in her Romford apartment following a report from the British Transport Police.