Nigerian Teenager Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in UK for London Murder

A Nigerian teenager has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the United Kingdom for the murder of a 21-year-old man in south-east London.

Jackson Uwagboe, 19, originally from Nigeria and resident on Hamilton Street, Lewisham, was convicted on 10 February 2026 at the Old Bailey for the murder of Robert Robinson. The incident occurred on 6 June 2024 in Deptford, London.

On 18 February 2026, the court handed Uwagboe a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years before he can be considered for parole. He was also found guilty of robbery and possession of a bladed article.

According to the Metropolitan Police, Robinson sustained 12 stab wounds during the attack, including injuries to his hands which indicated he tried to defend himself. He was pronounced dead at the scene on Carteret Way, Deptford.

Police said Uwagboe fled to Nigeria shortly after the incident. He later returned to the UK on 25 February 2025 and was arrested at Gatwick Airport on suspicion of murder.

Two other young men — Ryan Wedderburn, 18, and Kirk Harris, 19 — had earlier been convicted for their roles in the killing. In May 2025, both were sentenced to life imprisonment. Wedderburn was ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years, while Harris must serve at least 22 years and nine months.

Detective Inspector Neil Tovey, who led the investigation, said the victim was unarmed and already injured when Uwagboe continued the attack. He rejected the defendant’s claim of self-defence, stating that the evidence did not support it.

The case drew significant attention in the UK, particularly after Uwagboe left the country, resulting in two separate trials before all three men were convicted and sentenced.