UK Court Convicts 18-Year-Old Nigerian Over Fatal Social Media Rivalry

An 18-year-old Nigerian national residing in the United Kingdom, Emmanuel Popoola, has been found guilty of the m¥rder of an 18-year-old man. The conviction, handed down at the Old Bailey, follows a gang conflict reportedly ignited by exchanges on social media platforms.

Popoola, alongside co-defendant Tayvon Etefia, was convicted for the d3ath of Keanu Harker, who lost his life in June 2025 in Enfield, a district in north London. Prosecutors presented evidence indicating that the tragic event originated from an ongoing dispute between two rival factions, which escalated significantly after comments were exchanged on Snapchat.

The court heard detailed accounts suggesting that Popoola and Etefia pursued Harker on an electric bicycle. It was alleged that Popoola then discharged a firearm at close range, inflicting the fatal wound. Immediately following the incident, the two individuals reportedly abandoned the electric bike, disposed of their clothing, and attempted to escape justice.

Etefia was apprehended shortly before he could board a train bound for France. Popoola, on the other hand, was later arrested in Paris and subsequently extradited back to the UK to face charges. In addition to these convictions, the jury also found three other individuals guilty of attempting to assist the suspects in evading law enforcement. Popoola and Etefia are scheduled to receive their sentences later this week.