By Johnson Idowu
The United Kingdom Metropolitan Police has confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the stabbing to death of a British-Nigerian singer, Mark Orabiyi, in the garden of a property in nearby Rayleigh Road.
PUNCH Metro learnt from a statement obtained on the Met Police website on Monday that the incident happened on Friday.
The police said upon receiving information, detectives stormed the crime scene and found Orabiyi with stab wounds, but despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and found a 35-year-old man with stab wounds in the garden of a property in nearby Rayleigh Road.
“Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“While a formal identification is yet to take place, the victim has been named as Mark Orabiyi. His family continues to be supported by specialist officers,” the police stated.
According to the police, the family of the deceased has paid tribute to him as a beloved brother, uncle and friend.
“Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him.
“We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. “May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the family was quoted as saying.
The police, however, noted that three suspects whose identities have not been disclosed were arrested in connection with the incident.
The suspects, according to the police, included two men and a woman.
The statement added, “Three people were arrested on Friday, 5 June, on suspicion of murder. A 27-year-old man has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
“After police questioning, a second man, aged 24, and a 25-year-old woman have been released with no further action.”
It noted further that another 20-year-old victim was also taken to the hospital after sustaining multiple stab wounds that were non-life-threatening.
Reacting, Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the Met’s investigation, appealed for public support in unravelling the matter.
“This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones.
“Our investigation continues at pace. I would like to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident to speak to the police.
“We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who might have CCTV or other footage from the morning of the incident that could assist our investigation,” Yorke was quoted as saying.
PUNCH Metro reported on Monday that a UK court remanded a 32-year-old man, Maxwell Oguanaya, in custody over the alleged murder of a 41-year-old Nigerian, Taiwo Ekerin, following an assault in Lewisham, London.
The Met police had noted that Oguanaya was charged with murder after Ekerin died from injuries sustained during an altercation.
