The Metropolitan Police have arrested and charged two suspects to court in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, in New Cross, Southeast London.
The Metropolitan Police revealed on Monday, August 4, in a report that detectives investigating the stabbing had charged a man and a woman with murder.
A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after the incident, with a 23-year-old woman taken into custody later on Sunday.
“Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford, was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.
“Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford, was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report read.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“I understand this incident will be concerning, and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances,” Card added.
He explained that the investigation was launched after officers responded to reports of a man with stab wounds at a residential address on Monson Road, New Cross, at 7:26 pm on Saturday, August 2.
Officers responded to the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, but despite their efforts, Ayowale was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Card, a post-mortem examination carried out on Sunday indicated a preliminary cause of death as a stab wound to the chest.
