UK Based Nigerian Designer Shaun Akanbi Stabbed To Death

A London based Nigerian fashion designer was stabbed to death in his flat on Saturday December 22, 2012. The 26 year-old man known as Shaun Akanbi (aka Moshood Abiola Akanbi) is the founder of Billy Boyce clothing.

The police confirmed Mr Abiola after discovering his dead body at about 4.45pm in his flat at Cedar Lodge, Exeter Road. The let themselves into the apartment by forcing it open after friends and family became concerned when they did not hear from him. There were no other persons in the apartment at the time the police gained entrance into it

According to a postmortem report, the young man died of multiple stabs to his torso.

Moshood Abiola Akanbi started his fashion label while he was studying at the London College of Fashion. He has designed for British celebrities such as N Dubz, StooShe, Wiley and Tinie Tempah.

Friends and well wisher have been pouring in their condolences on his Facebook page.

“I Still Cannot Get My Head Round It All…You Don’t Smoke…Don’t Drink, I Dare Say, You Even Go Clubbing. You Were Not Reckless As Some Your Age,” wrote Nigerian milliner Lyze Bamigbola-Silas.

“The Only Thing On Your Mind Was The Success Of Your Label ~ Billy Boyce.
It All Does Not Make Sense At All. Graduating With High Honours In Law , You Followed Your Passion, FASHION! You Soon Made Your Mark; Where Your Peers Can Only Dream Of Achieving. Your Tenacity And Drive Saw The Success Of The Label In A Short Space Of Time. With International Orders And Celebrities Wearing Your Brand, You Pushed Further. With Your And Vision, You Were Way Ahead Of Your Years,” she continued.

“This guy was not only an amazing designer but a person with such a great personality and an educated young brother who had a 1st in Law. He was no more than 23 years old with a future a head of him now his gone,” stylist Denise Brown wrote.

Aries Lachey left a tribute on the Billy Boyce official Facebook page:”R.I.P Shaun you were always very sweet to me. May god bless your soul. Such a shame you were taken so early.”

Bow tie company Sulphurgenic tweeted: “So sad to hear about the passing of Billy Boyce Founder, Shaun Akanbi. R.I.P from everyone at Sulphurgenic xx”

Two men aged 19 and 20 years were arrested on the 4th of January 2013 in connection with the murder of Abiola. The following day, one of the suspect, 20year-old Achraf Jandara of Laing House, Comber Grove, Camberwell, south London, was charged with murder while the other suspect who is 19 year old was released on bail.

Some designs from the Billy Boyce Label.