Harry Uzoka murder: Three jailed over killing of ‘role model for young black boys’

Model George Koh, from Camden, is on trial for the murder of fellow model Harry Uzoka (Image: Archant)

George Koh, 24, and Merse Dikanda, 24, were both given life sentences after being found guilty of Uzoka’s murder. They will serve a minimum of 25 and 22 years in prison respectively.

The third man convicted over the model’s death, Jonathan Okigbo will serve a minimum of 14 years behind bars for manslaughter.

The three men attacked Uzoka, 25, outside his Old Oak Road flat after a dispute over a girlfriend escalated.

The dead man had been highly thought of within the fashion industry and during the Old Bailey trial, the court heard that Koh had been jealous of him.

He then roped in friends Dikanda and Okigbo when he and Harry Uzoka organised a confrontation over social media.

Harry’s family released a statement upon his killers’ sentencing. They said: “Harry’s death has been a great shock to everyone that knew him and even those that did not.

“He was a role model for all, especially young black boys, a high percentage of whom are raised in poverty and need positive influences to encourage them to stay on the right track in life.

“It is so important for young boys to see people like themselves from similar backgrounds doing well so that they can also have positive dreams and aspirations that they know are achievable. Harry was such a positive, loving and caring influence.”

Detective Sergeant Devan Taylor said: “No amount of jail time will ever bring Harry back, but I hope that today’s sentence will give his family some peace of mind and closure to this terrible ordeal.

“I have no doubt that Koh, Dikanda and Okigbo will be regretting their decisions to carry weapons on London’s streets and I hope that today’s sentence will deter anyone else from doing so as well.”