A 26-year-old Nigerian man, Ayowale Aladejana, has died following a fatal stabbing at his apartment in New Cross, southeast London. The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, August 2, prompting an emergency response and subsequent arrests.
Metropolitan Police officers were called to Monson Road at approximately 7:26 p.m. after reports of a man with stab wounds. Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, responded swiftly. Despite their efforts, Ayowale was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday confirmed the cause of death as a stab wound to the chest.
In a statement released on Monday, August 4, the Metropolitan Police announced that two suspects have been charged in connection with the killing.
Ben Wazabanga, 23, of Fairfax Road, Bedford, has been charged with murder and possession of a knife. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court.
Ronique Belfon, also 23, of Morinsbury Road, Bedford, has likewise been charged with murder. She is remanded in custody and will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, leading the investigation, offered condolences to the victim’s family:
“Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time. I understand this incident is deeply concerning, and we are conducting a fast-paced and thorough investigation to uncover the full circumstances.”
The police have urged anyone with information who has not yet come forward to contact them as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, Ayowale’s grieving family is being supported by specially trained officers.
The incident has sparked concern within the Nigerian and wider African communities in the UK, as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragic killing.