Body of missing Nigerian student, Okorogheye found in UK lake

The London Metropolitan Police has affirmed that the body found in a lake in Essex was that of a 19 year-old Nigerian student, Richard Okorogheye.

The youngster, Okorogheye had gone missing from his home in Ladbroke Grove on Monday, 22 March.

Richard Okorogheye’s mother, Evidence Joel, a nurse, reported him missing on Wednesday, 24 March to Metropolitan Police.

Richard’s mother, Evidence Joel, loses only child

She was shocked by the initial indifference displayed by the police.

One of the officers was cited to have stated, “If you can’t find your son, how do you want the police to do so.”

On 5 April, at around 14:01hrs, the Metropolitan Police declared that they were informed by colleagues from Essex Police that the body of a man had been found in a lake in Epping Forest.

“Formal identification has now taken place and the body has been confirmed as that of 19-year-old Richard Okorogheye,” Metropolitan Police said on their website.

His next of kin have been notified and are receiving support from professional officials.

“Richard’s death is being treated as unexplained and police do not believe, at this stage, that there was any third-party involvement,” the Metropolitan Police said on their website.

“A forensic post mortem took place on Wednesday, 7 April.

“The cause of death is pending whilst further investigations are carried out, however, it found no evidence of physical trauma or assault.

Detective Superintendent Danny Gosling, Head of the Met’s Central West Public Protection Unit, said, “My deepest sympathies go out to Richard’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“This was not the outcome that any of us had hoped for and we will ensure that his grieving family are well-supported by specially trained officers.”

The investigation into the case of Richard’s demise is ongoing.

Richard Okorogheye was the only child of her mum.