British police have charged two individuals in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old Nigerian man, Ayowale Aladejana, at a residential address in New Cross, southeast London.

The suspects, Ben Wazabanga and Ronique Belfon, both aged 23 and residents of Bedford, were charged on Monday, August 4, following their arrest by detectives of the Metropolitan Police.

Wazabanga faces charges of murder and possession of a knife, while Belfon was charged with murder alone.

Wazabanga was remanded in custody to appear before Croydon Magistrates’ Court, while Belfon was scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on the same day.

The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, August 2. Officers from the Metropolitan Police were called to Monson Road in New Cross at approximately 7:26 p.m. following reports of a stabbing. Emergency responders from the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance were also at the scene.

Despite their efforts, Aladejana was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem conducted the following day, Sunday, August 3, revealed a stab wound to the chest as the preliminary cause of death.

Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, confirmed the charges and expressed condolences to the victim’s family. “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time,” Card said.

She added, “I understand this incident will be concerning, and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances.”

Aladejana’s death has added to a growing list of Nigerians who have died in violent circumstances abroad. In a separate incident reported earlier this year, a Nigerian nurse, Nnena Miriam, was found dead in her apartment in Leeds after she failed to report to work. Police later launched an investigation following a missing person report filed by a friend.

The Nigerian community in the UK has expressed concern over rising cases of violence affecting citizens living in the diaspora. Advocacy groups have called for closer engagement with local authorities to address the safety and welfare of Nigerian nationals.

The Metropolitan Police said investigations into Aladejana’s death are ongoing.