The United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police have arrested and charged 37-year-old Andre Wright-Walters in connection with the death of Nigerian national, James Gbadamosi, 67.
According to a police statement released on Monday, Gbadamosi was assaulted on Balham High Road at approximately 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, August 24. He sustained severe injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he died on Friday, September 5.
Initially, Wright-Walters was arrested on August 27 and charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a Class A drug. He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court the following day and was granted bail ahead of a scheduled court appearance at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on September 2424.
However, following Gbadamosi’s death, Wright-Walters was re-arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, September 6. He was formally charged with murder on Sunday, September 7, and appeared in court on Monday, September 8.
A 30-year-old woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was also arrested on August 27 on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. She was later re-arrested on September 6 on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. She has since been released on bail as investigations continue.
This incident comes shortly after another case involving the fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, in New Cross, southeast London. In that case, police charged a man and a woman with murder.
The deaths of Gbadamosi and Aladejana highlight a troubling trend involving Nigerian nationals who have lost their lives under suspicious or violent circumstances in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police say inquiries are ongoing.
