Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
LONDON, United Kingdom – A 32-year-old man has been remanded in custody by a United Kingdom court over the alleged murder of a 41-year-old Nigerian, Taiwo Ekerin, following a violent altercation in Lewisham, south-east London. Maxwell Oguanaya, of Eastfield Road, Enfield, appeared before Ealing Magistrates’ Court on Friday, June 5, 2026, where he was formally charged with murder and ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.
The Metropolitan Police disclosed the details in a statement on Sunday, June 7, confirming that officers were called to Lewisham High Street at approximately 4:40 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, following reports of an altercation. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 41-year-old man with a serious head injury. He was treated at the scene by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service before being transported to a hospital for further treatment. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead on Saturday, May 30. He has since been formally identified as Taiwo Ekerin. His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.
Oguanaya was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, June 4, and was charged the following day. His initial court appearance took place on June 5 at Ealing Magistrates’ Court, where he was remanded in custody. He is expected to appear again in court on Tuesday, June 9. A second man, aged 34, was also arrested on suspicion of murder on June 5 and remains in police custody while investigations continue. The Metropolitan Police has not yet disclosed the specific circumstances surrounding the altercation that led to Ekerin’s death.
According to a statement from the Metropolitan Police, the incident occurred near the Alpha Lounge on Lewisham High Street, a popular nightlife spot in the area. Ekerin succumbed to his injuries six days after being found unconscious outside the establishment. The police have not released further details about the nature of the altercation, but confirmed that a murder investigation is ongoing and that no further suspects are being sought at this stage.
The brother of the deceased, Kehinde Ekerin, confirmed that Taiwo died as a result of an unprovoked assault during a night out. In a GoFundMe appeal launched to help cover funeral expenses, Kehinde described his twin brother as a devoted father and a beloved member of his family. "It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we share the passing of our beloved Taiwo Ekerin, who tragically lost his life following an unprovoked attack during a night out. Born on 25th December 1984, Ekerin 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 further described Taiwo Ekerin as a devoted father to his young daughter, who is now facing the future without her dad. "Above all, Taiwo was a devoted father to his daughter, who now faces the future without her dad. He was known for his warmth, kindness, sense of humour, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. His life was taken far too soon, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this devastating tragedy."
As the family prepares to lay Ekerin to rest, a GoFundMe page has been established to help offset funeral costs. As of the time of filing this report, £3,710 has been raised toward a target of £10,000. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide Command. No further details about the ongoing investigation have been released, and the police have not commented on whether the two arrested individuals knew the victim or each other prior to the incident.
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