Maha Christopher
A United Kingdom court has remanded a 32 year old man, Maxwell Oguanaya, in custody over the alleged murder of 41 year old Nigerian national, Taiwo Ekerin, following an assault in Lewisham, London.
According to The Punch, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that Oguanaya was charged with murder after Ekerin died from injuries sustained during an altercation.
In a statement, the police said officers responded to reports of a disturbance on Lewisham High Street at about 4:40 a.m. on May 24.
“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,” the statement read.
The victim was later identified as Taiwo Ekerin, while specialist officers are supporting his family.
The Metropolitan Police said Oguanaya, of Eastfield Road, Enfield, was arrested on June 4 and charged the following day.
“Maxwell Oguanaya, 32, 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 said.
Investigators also disclosed that a second suspect, a 34 year old man, was arrested on suspicion of murder on June 5 and remains in custody as inquiries continue.
The circumstances surrounding the altercation have not yet been revealed by police.
Meanwhile, Taiwo’s twin brother, Kehinde Ekerin, described the incident as an unprovoked attack during a night out.
In a GoFundMe appeal launched to support funeral arrangements, he paid tribute to his late brother.
“Taiwo was a much loved father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He shared a special bond with his twin brother, and his loss has left an unimaginable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him,” the appeal stated.
The family is seeking public support to cover funeral expenses and give him what they described as a dignified farewell. At the time of reporting, more than £3,700 had been raised toward a £10,000 target.
