Nigerian Man and Accomplice Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Murder in UK
A Nigerian man and his British accomplice have been sentenced to life imprisonment by a UK court after being found guilty of the murder of a 28-year-old man in what prosecutors described as a “premeditated and brutal attack.”
The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey in London, where the judge ruled that the pair showed “a shocking disregard for human life.” The court heard that the defendants lured the victim to an address in South London before fatally attacking him following a dispute believed to be linked to money and drugs.
The Nigerian convict, identified as Chinedu Okafor, 31, and his co-defendant, Liam Roberts, 29, were arrested after a two-week manhunt involving the Metropolitan Police Homicide Command.
Detectives presented forensic evidence, CCTV footage, and phone records linking both men to the crime scene. A murder weapon was later recovered near a canal in Lewisham, where the suspects had attempted to dispose of it.
“This was a deliberate and coordinated act of violence. The defendants planned this attack and carried it out with devastating consequences,” said Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lester, who led the investigation.
During sentencing, the presiding judge described the crime as “cold-blooded and senseless,” adding that both men must serve a minimum of 27 years before being eligible for parole.
Family members of the victim expressed relief at the verdict but said the emotional toll of the tragedy would linger for years.
“Nothing will bring him back, but we are grateful that justice has been served,” the victim’s sister said outside the courtroom.
The Nigerian High Commission in London has not yet commented on the case but is reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
About the Author
