23-year-old Nigerian Stabbed to Death in London, Two Arrested

A 23-year-old Nigerian, John Temitope Onetufo, has been stabbed to death in London, United Kingdom, with the Metropolitan Police confirming the arrest of two suspects in connection with the incident.

The fatal stabbing occurred on New Year’s Eve in the Lewisham area of the city. Police said officers were alerted to the incident at about 12:35 p.m. following reports of a violent attack on Grove Street.

Emergency responders, including the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, arrived at the scene and found Onetufo with a stab wound to the chest. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police identified the deceased as John Temitope Onetufo, who was resident in Deptford.

The police disclosed that two suspects a 17-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man were arrested on January 2 as investigations into the killing intensified.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, who is leading the investigation, described the arrests as a major breakthrough, while assuring that efforts were ongoing to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

She extended condolences to the victim’s family and friends, pledging that those responsible would be brought to justice. Townsend also appealed to members of the public with relevant information to assist the investigation.

The killing has renewed concerns over knife-related violence in the UK, which has claimed several lives in recent times, including those of Nigerians.

In August 2025, a 60-year-old Nigerian woman, Nkiru Chima, was found dead in her apartment in Romford with multiple stab wounds, according to the Metropolitan Police.