A Nigerian teenager who fled the United Kingdom after participating in the fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old man in south-east London has been sentenced to life imprisonment, bringing a prolonged and traumatic case to a close.
Jackson Uwagboe, 19, of Hamilton Street, Lewisham, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, for the murder of Robert Robinson. He was also convicted of robbery and possession of a bladed article in connection with the fatal attack.
Uwagboe had been found guilty on February 10 at the Old Bailey for his role in Robinson’s killing, which occurred on June 6, 2024, in Deptford. His sentencing follows the earlier convictions of two co-accused, Ryan Wedderburn, 18, and Kirk Harris, 19, who were found guilty of Robinson’s murder in May 2025 and similarly sentenced to life imprisonment.
Wedderburn was ordered to serve a minimum term of 23 years, while Harris received a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years and nine months.
According to the Metropolitan Police, Robinson was subjected to a sustained and violent assault that left him with 12 serious stab wounds. Investigators said the injuries included multiple defensive wounds, indicating that the victim had attempted to shield himself from the attack.
Emergency services were called to Carteret Way in Deptford, where Robinson was found fatally wounded. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police described the assault as “vicious” and carried out by a group of young men armed with knives. Robinson was reportedly unarmed at the time of the attack.
In the immediate aftermath of the stabbing, all three suspects fled the scene. While Wedderburn and Harris were later apprehended and brought to trial, Uwagboe left the country, travelling to Nigeria in what authorities described as an attempt to evade justice.
His absence forced prosecutors to conduct separate proceedings, resulting in two trials for Robinson’s grieving family to endure. Law enforcement officials said Uwagboe eventually returned to the United Kingdom on February 25, 2025, nearly nine months after the killing. He was arrested upon arrival at Gatwick Airport on suspicion of murder.
Detective Inspector Neil Tovey, who led the investigation, described the crime as a “brutal and sustained attack” and dismissed Uwagboe’s claim of self-defence.
“Robert was subjected to a brutal and sustained attack by a group of men armed with knives,” Tovey said. “He was unarmed, already wounded, and on the ground when Uwagboe attacked him. His claims of self-defence were entirely without foundation.”
The court heard that Robinson had been overpowered and was lying injured when Uwagboe continued the assault. Prosecutors argued that the level of violence used demonstrated a clear intent to cause serious harm.
During sentencing, the judge noted the ferocity of the attack and the collective responsibility of the three defendants. The court emphasized that Robinson had no weapon and posed no threat that could justify the level of violence inflicted upon him.
The life sentences imposed reflect the seriousness with which the British judicial system treats knife crime, particularly when it involves coordinated group attacks. Knife-related violence has remained a significant concern in parts of London, prompting sustained efforts by law enforcement and community leaders to curb youth involvement in such crimes.
The case drew considerable attention not only because of the brutality of the murder but also due to Uwagboe’s flight from the country. His departure delayed full accountability and prolonged the legal process, compounding the distress experienced by Robinson’s family.
Detective Inspector Tovey said the verdicts marked a crucial milestone in delivering justice.
“These verdicts represent justice for Robert Robinson and his family,” he said. “They have had to endure two trials as a result of Uwagboe fleeing the country. No sentence can bring Robert back, but we hope this outcome provides some measure of closure.”
Family members of the victim were present in court as the sentences were handed down. While the court proceedings have now concluded, the emotional impact of the crime remains profound.
The prosecution maintained throughout the trial that the attack was deliberate and coordinated. Evidence presented in court included forensic findings, witness testimonies, and CCTV footage that helped establish the sequence of events on the night of the murder.
The investigation was described as complex, involving extensive evidence gathering and cross-border coordination following Uwagboe’s departure to Nigeria. Authorities confirmed that there was no formal extradition process initiated, as Uwagboe voluntarily returned to the UK, where he was immediately detained.
Legal analysts note that a life sentence in the United Kingdom does not automatically mean imprisonment for the remainder of the convict’s natural life. Instead, it requires the individual to serve a minimum term — in this case, 21 years for Uwagboe — before becoming eligible to apply for parole. Any release would be subject to approval by the Parole Board, which must be satisfied that the individual no longer poses a risk to the public.
For Wedderburn and Harris, their longer minimum terms reflect the court’s assessment of their respective roles in the killing and the aggravating factors involved.
The Metropolitan Police reiterated its commitment to tackling violent crime and urged young people to avoid carrying weapons, warning of the devastating and irreversible consequences.
As the case concludes, the Robinson family is left to mourn the loss of a young man whose life was cut short in what investigators described as a senseless act of violence.
The sentencing of all three perpetrators brings legal finality to the case, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of knife crime and the far-reaching consequences of decisions made in moments of aggression.
With the life sentences now imposed, authorities hope the outcome sends a clear message that those who engage in violent crime — even if they attempt to flee — will ultimately be held accountable under the full weight of the law.
