Harry Uzoka: Fellow model George Koh charged with murder

Harry was murdered by acquaintance and fellow model after Met Police charge two men with murder

The world was shocked by the sudden and untimely death of popular British-Nigerian model Harry Uzoka who was fatally stabbed in East Acton, London on Thursday 11th January. In an even more surprising turn of events, the Met Police have charged two men with murder. One being George Koh, friend of the deceased and fellow model.

Harry Uzoka's death caused ripples worldwide as the death of the young model was announced. Harry, who had starred in adverts for Zara and Mercedes amongst others had a very bright future ahead of him and was spoken of very highly by colleagues in the fashion industry.

Remembered as 'gentle, kind and hard-working' young man, Harry had just returned from a holiday in St. Lucia where he celebrated Christmas and New Year.

 

Police Investigation

The Met Police called the incident a 'robbery gone wrong' and appealed for any information. Detective Inspector Beverley Kofi from the British Met Police released a statement saying, ''This is another tragic murder with a young male victim who has met a violent death.

We believe that the incident started Ollgar House, in Ollgar Close and the victim was assaulted and stabbed before staggering and collapsing in Old Oak Road. We believe there were a number of people involved, but we are still working to establish the circumstances and a possible motive.

We have made two arrests and continue to pursue a number of lines of inquiry. We need to public's help to piece together what happened - who the victim was seen with, the incident itself and the immediate aftermath.

If you were in the area at the time and saw anything that could be of significance to the investigation, we would urge you to get it touch right away."

 

Arrests Made

In the wake of Harry's tragic death, police have now charged two men on suspicion of murder. Detectives have charged IMG model George Koh, 24, from Camden, and Jonathan Okigbo, 23, from Kentish Town, with murder, while Koh is also facing charges of possessing an offensive weapon as Koh was reportedly caught with the weapon that was used to stab Harry.

George Koh, who has modelled for brands including Louis Vuitton and Paul Smith, was arrested on Sunday and Okigbo was arrested yesterday, Scotland Yard said. 

 

Koh, a professional model in his own right, was signed to IMG models, arguably one of the biggest agencies in the world. His Instagram, with a following of 12k, was littered with abusive comments and threats left by mourning friends and fans who learnt of Koh's role in Harry's death.

 

A representative for IMG models said: 'Koh hasn't been on our books since March 2017.'  Koh's profile has since been removed completely from the IMG models website.

Both suspects appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court today. The pair appeared in the dock in grey prison issue tracksuits, and only spoke to confirm their personal details. They were remanded in custody and will next appear at Old Bailey on Thursday where they will officially be charged in a court of law.

Shocked friends and fans react

Social media was alight with the news of the arrests. Many, who knew Koh as well a s Harry expressed their shock at the outcome. Many speculated that jealousy must have been a motivator in the murder considering the two were working in the same industry.

One user claimed that Koh often remarked that people mistook him for Harry.

Tributes Pour In For Harry

Photographer Sophie Jones posted this heartwarming video in honour of the young model who was so widely loved by his peers.
 

His ex-girlfriend, Victoria Secret model, Leomie Anderson, after a few days of silence posted a moving tribute where she wrote:

He wasn’t just my ex boyfriend, he was one of my oldest and dearest friends. He didn’t deserve this and I am heartbroken.

Whilst the arrests come as a relief to many hoping Harry's killer would be brought to justice swiftly, it brings little comfort to those still reeling from his senseless and unnecessary death.

from pulse.ng - Nigeria's entertainment & lifestyle platform online