A Nigerian man in London has been accused of fatally punching a 61-year-old railway worker after allegedly becoming angry when he missed a train at Ilford Station.
Ayodele Jamgbadi allegedly punched railway worker Jorge Ortega in the face during an incident at the east London station on December 4, 2024.
The Inner London Crown Court heard that the incident happened at about 8.45pm after Jamgbadi missed an Elizabeth line train travelling from Ilford to Stratford.
According to the prosecution, CCTV footage showed Jamgbadi kicking an advertising frame at the station after missing the train.
Three railway workers, including Ortega, then reportedly approached him in an attempt to calm the situation.
Prosecutor Patrick Dennis told the court that Ortega was moving backwards when Jamgbadi allegedly punched him once in the face.
The impact reportedly caused the 61-year-old to fall and strike his head on the platform. He was left unconscious and was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Ortega died from his injuries two days later, on December 6, 2024, the court heard.
Jamgbadi, who lives on Kingston Road in Ilford, was arrested following the incident. He was initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm, but the charge was upgraded to murder after Ortega’s death.
The prosecution also told the court that Jamgbadi made statements to British Transport Police officers following his arrest.
He allegedly told officers: “I punched him in the face, I literally punched him in the face.”
Jamgbadi allegedly followed this by asking the officers what they intended to do about the incident and whether they were going to arrest him.
However, the court heard that Jamgbadi is not currently fit to enter a plea or stand trial because he is mentally unwell and receiving treatment in hospital.
Judge Benedict Kelleher therefore directed the jury to determine whether Jamgbadi carried out the act that resulted in Ortega’s death.
The proceedings will consequently focus on whether the alleged act occurred, rather than requiring Jamgbadi to enter a plea or stand trial in the usual manner.
The case remains before the court.
