Two Nigerian men have been charged with the murder of 41-year-old Nigerian Taiwo Ekerin following a fatal assault in Lewisham, southeast London, in May 2026.

The suspects have been identified as Maxwell Oguanaya, 32, and Chibueze Chukwurah, 34. Both men have been remanded in custody following their appearances before UK magistrates’ courts.

The incident occurred in the early hours of May 24, when police were called to Lewisham High Street at about 4:40 a.m. following reports of an altercation.

Officers found Ekerin suffering from a serious head injury. He was treated at the scene by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and taken to hospital, where he died six days later, on May 30.

Oguanaya, who is from Enfield, was arrested on June 4 and charged with murder on June 5. He appeared before Ealing Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody.

Chukwurah, of Royston Road, Glasgow, was arrested on June 5 on suspicion of murder. He was charged on June 7 and appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court the following day, where he was also remanded in custody.

Both men were scheduled to appear before the Old Bailey as proceedings in the case continued.

The Metropolitan Police have appealed to members of the public who may have information about the incident to assist with the investigation.

Ekerin’s death has also drawn attention within the Nigerian community in the UK. His family has described him as a devoted father, son, brother, uncle and friend.

The case remains before the courts. Being charged with murder does not mean the defendants are guilty; they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.