Father Slain Outside Nightclub: Murder Charge Follows Fatal Lewisham Assault

​LEWISHAM — A fast-moving murder investigation has seen one man charged and a second arrested following a fatal attack outside a southeast London nightclub.

​Taiwo Ekerin, a 41-year-old father and twin, died in hospital on Saturday, May 30, six days after sustaining a catastrophic head injury during an early-morning altercation outside the Alpha Lounge on Lewisham High Street.

​Emergency services were called to the scene just before 4:40 AM on Sunday, May 24. Paramedics treated Mr. Ekerin at the scene before rushing him to a nearby hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

​Suspects in Custody

​The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 32-year-old Maxwell Oguanaya, of Eastfield Road, Enfield, was arrested on Thursday, June 4. He was officially charged with murder on Friday, June 5, and appeared before Ealing Magistrates’ Court later that day, where he was remanded in custody. Oguanaya is scheduled to appear in court next on Tuesday, June 9.

​A second suspect, a 34-year-old man, was also arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday and remains in police custody for questioning.

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​Devastated Family Appeal for Help

​Paying tribute to Mr. Ekerin, his family described the incident as an “unprovoked attack” during a night out, noting it has left an “unimagined void” in their lives.

​In a statement on a crowdfunding page launched to assist with funeral costs, his brother, Kenny Ekerin, said:

​”Above all, Taiwo was a devoted father to his daughter, who now faces the future without her dad. Taiwo 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.”

​Police Appeal for Footage

​Detectives leading ‘Operation Doughwall’ are continuing to appeal to the public for information, specifically targeting anyone who may have been outside the Alpha Lounge at around 4:38 AM on May 24. 

​The Met is urging witnesses, local business owners, and drivers to preserve and come forward with mobile phone recordings, CCTV, or dashcam footage that could prove vital to the ongoing investigation.

​Anyone with information is urged to contact the police incident room on 020 8785 8244, call 101 quoting reference CAD/1609/24MAY26, or upload material directly to the police major incident portal. Information can also be provided 100% anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.