Two deny Lewisham murder after nightclub dispute

Two friends who met while studying master's degrees in Scotland have denied murdering a stranger outside a Lewisham nightclub. Chibueze Chukwurah, 34, and Maxwell Uguanya, 33, pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Taiwo Ekerin. The alleged attack took place outside the Alpha Lounge venue in south-east London on May 24.

Prosecutor Frederick Hookway described the alleged incident as 'serious impromptu violence which resulted in the death of another'. Mr Ekerin died in hospital on May 30. James Manning, who is defending Chukwurah, told Southwark Crown Court on Friday that 'the cause of death isn’t totally clear yet'.

Allegations in court

The court heard that the co-defendants met while undertaking master's courses at the University of Aberdeen. A dispute allegedly broke out after the group left the club at about 4am. The prosecution claimed Chukwurah struck Mr Ekerin in the head with a punch, causing him to fall to the ground. 'Indeed the defendant never got back up', Mr Hookway stated. His co-defendant allegedly 'then got on top of him' and dealt further blows. Chukwurah also kicked the victim while he was on the ground, the prosecution claimed.

Mr Manning argued that 'this offence was unplanned and impromptu' and that there was no connection between the defendants and the alleged victim. Chukwurah, of Royston Road, Glasgow, is a Nigerian national who has been living in the UK on a graduate visa and works two jobs, including as an agency cleaner, his defence stated. He travelled to London from Scotland to visit Uguanya, of Enfield, north London.

Next steps

Chukwurah and Uguanya are currently in custody. They are scheduled to stand trial on February 1.