A 17-year-old boy now faces a murder charge following the fatal stabbing of a young Nigerian man in London on New Year's Eve. The victim has been identified as 23-year-old John Temitope Onetufo from Deptford.
Details of the New Year's Eve Attack
The violent incident occurred on Grove Street in Deptford, south-east London, at approximately 12:35 GMT on 31 December. Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance, rushed to the scene. Despite their immediate efforts, Onetufo, who suffered a single stab wound to the chest, was pronounced dead at the location.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The Metropolitan Police confirmed significant progress in the case. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the killing on 2 January. Alongside the charged 17-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, a 23-year-old man was also taken into custody. The teenage suspect is scheduled to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Youth Court later this week.
Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, leading the investigation, stated her team has worked relentlessly. "This is a significant development, but our investigation remains ongoing as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened," she said. Townsend also extended her deepest sympathies to Onetufo's family and friends, affirming the force's commitment to finding answers and securing justice.
A Continuing Concern for the Community
This tragic event underscores the persistent issue of knife-related violence in the United Kingdom, which has impacted the Nigerian diaspora on several occasions. In a grim reminder, 60-year-old Nigerian woman Nkiru Chima was found dead with multiple stab wounds in her Romford apartment in August 2025, a case also handled by the Met Police.
The authorities continue to appeal to the public for information. Anyone who witnessed the Deptford stabbing or has relevant details is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police to assist the ongoing investigation.
