Nigerian-British Man, 23, Stabbed To Death In London

A 23-year-old British citizen of Nigerian descent, John Temitope Onetufo, has been stabbed to death in south-east London in what police are treating as a murder.

The fatal attack occurred on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, on Grove Street in the Lewisham area. According to the Metropolitan Police, officers were called at around 12:35hrs following reports that a man had been stabbed.

On arrival, police officers, together with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, found Mr Onetufo suffering from a stab wound to the chest. He was treated at the scene, but despite sustained efforts to save his life, he was pronounced dead where he fell.

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The victim has been formally identified as John Temitope Onetufo, 23, from Deptford. Police say his family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers as they come to terms with the loss.

A 17-year-old boy has now been charged with murder in connection with the killing. Because he is under 18, he cannot be named for legal reasons. The teenager was charged on Monday, 5 January 2026, and is scheduled to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Youth Court the same day.

Detectives say the boy is one of several people arrested as part of the fast-moving investigation into the New Year’s Eve stabbing. A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday, 2 January and has been released on bail while enquiries continue.

In a related development, an 18-year-old woman was arrested on Sunday, 4 January on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. She has also been bailed pending further investigation.

The Metropolitan Police have not yet released further details about the circumstances leading up to the stabbing, a possible motive, or whether the parties involved were known to each other before the incident. Officers are appealing to anyone who was in the Grove Street area around the time of the attack or who may have witnessed anything suspicious to come forward.

The killing adds to growing concerns over youth violence and knife crime in London, particularly involving teenagers and young adults from minority communities. Campaigners have repeatedly called for tougher enforcement, better community engagement and more support for at-risk youths to stem the tide of fatal stabbings in the capital.

As the investigation into Mr Onetufo’s death continues, detectives are urging members of the public with information, CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the area to contact the Metropolitan Police or to reach out anonymously via Crimestoppers.