UK Court Sets June 3 Trial Date for Man Accused of Killing British-Nigerian Teen

A UK court has fixed June 3, 2025, for the trial of Marcus Ardioni Monzo, the man accused of killing 14-year-old British-Nigerian schoolboy, Daniel Anjorin, in a shocking sword attack in Hainault, northeast London.

Monzo, 37, a Spanish-Brazilian national from Newham, East London, appeared at the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales (Old Bailey) on Friday, May 2, where he entered his pleas. He denied the murder of Daniel Anjorin and pleaded not guilty to the attempted murders of four other people—Donato Iwule, Sindy Arias, Henry De Los Rios Polania, and Police Constable Yasmin Margaret Mechem-Whitfield. He also denied wounding Inspector Moloy Campbell with intent.

However, Monzo admitted two counts of possessing offensive weapons: a katana sword and a tanto katana sword. He further denied charges of aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article relating to a kitchen knife.

Prosecutors told the court that the horrific events unfolded on April 30, 2024, when Monzo allegedly crashed a van into a fence in Laing Close, striking a pedestrian. He then reportedly emerged with a sword, attacking people nearby, including Anjorin, who was walking to school.

Daniel sustained severe injuries to his neck and chest and later died in hospital. Witnesses said Monzo reappeared from nearby bushes and attacked officers attempting to help the boy, leaving one with significant injuries.

The suspect allegedly fled through back gardens before breaking into a nearby home, where two residents were asleep. During efforts to arrest him, Inspector Campbell was reportedly stabbed with a sword.

Monzo remains in custody as preparations for the high-profile trial continue. The case has drawn widespread attention and outrage across the UK and Nigeria.