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A Nigerian man has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the United Kingdom for the murder of a man who was fatally stabbed following an argument inside a London apartment.
The convict, 36-year-old Fawaz Abdulkareem, was handed a life sentence by Croydon Crown Court on June 5 after being found guilty of murdering 32-year-old Daniel Manuel and possessing a bladed weapon.
The court ruled that Abdulkareem must serve a minimum of 17 years behind bars before he can be considered for parole.
The fatal incident occurred on July 5, 2025, at a residential building located on Bondway in the Vauxhall area of London.
According to the Metropolitan Police, officers responded to reports of a stabbing at the apartment complex during the early hours of the morning.
Upon arrival, emergency responders found Manuel suffering from severe stab wounds in the lobby of the building.
Police officers, paramedics and medical personnel immediately administered emergency treatment in a bid to save his life.
Despite their efforts, Manuel was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigations later revealed that both men had spent the evening socialising with friends before returning to Abdulkareem's apartment.
Prosecutors told the court that a dispute subsequently broke out between the pair inside the flat, leading to the fatal attack.
During the investigation, detectives recovered the murder weapon after it had been thrown from an upper floor of the building in an apparent attempt to conceal evidence.
Abdulkareem was arrested at the scene shortly after the incident and formally charged the following day.
Following a full trial, a jury returned a guilty verdict on charges of murder and possession of a bladed article.
Lead investigator, Detective Inspector Luke Hampton, said the conviction was the result of painstaking investigative work by officers and forensic experts.
He expressed sympathy for the victim's family and said he hoped the sentence would offer them some degree of solace after their devastating loss.
In an emotional statement presented after the sentencing, Manuel's wife, Zulal, described her late husband as the cornerstone of her life and recounted the deep pain his death has inflicted on the family.
She said the loss had left an irreplaceable void and continued to affect loved ones who are still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
The Metropolitan Police noted that the successful prosecution underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities to combat serious violent crime and ensure offenders face justice for their actions.
The case has once again drawn attention to knife-related violence in parts of London and the continued determination of authorities to tackle such offences through rigorous investigations and prosecutions.
