Redbridge man unfit to plead to murder charge after station death

Ayodele Jamgbadi, 28, has been accused of murder after railway worker Jorge Ortega died two days after being punched at Ilford station. Mr Ortega, 61, was struck on December 4, 2024, and passed away in hospital on December 6, 2024, from severe traumatic brain injury. Jamgbadi, of Kingston Road in Ilford, is currently unfit to plead, meaning a jury will be tasked with determining whether he carried out the alleged acts that caused Mr Ortega's death, as reported by This Is Local London.

Witness account of the incident

The Inner London Crown Court heard evidence from Mohammed Alim, a colleague of Mr Ortega, who was present at Ilford station on the day of the incident. Mr Alim stated that he and other staff members heard 'banging noises' and discovered Jamgbadi kicking an advertising frame. When asked if he was alright, Jamgbadi appeared 'disturbed' and 'angry', asking 'Who's got a problem?'. Mr Alim told the court that within a moment, Jamgbadi threw a punch with his right hand, striking Mr Ortega near the temple with significant force. The impact caused Mr Ortega to fall, hitting the back of his head, and Mr Alim observed something fly from Mr Ortega's mouth.

Mr Alim expressed fear that the attacker might strike again as Mr Ortega lay unconscious. He recounted that Jamgbadi approached Mr Ortega again before turning towards him. Mr Alim raised his hands defensively and asked Jamgbadi to 'take it easy'. Jamgbadi then turned and walked away. Colleagues and members of the public moved Mr Ortega to an office, where he was conscious intermittently. The attacker reportedly approached another staff member before leaving the station by pushing through ticket barriers without paying.

Allegations regarding motive

Prosecutors have alleged that Jamgbadi became angry after missing a train to Stratford. The court heard that the punch was delivered after railway staff approached him. The trial is ongoing.