A social media entrepreneur who stabbed his stepfather 44 times following a drug-fuelled psychotic episode after returning from Ibiza has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.
Adejuwon Oyekan, 32, co-owner of a digital marketing firm, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility after fatally attacking 54-year-old Jason Thompson at their family home in Hayes, west London, on 11 July 2023.
The Old Bailey heard that Oyekan had just returned from a work trip to Ibiza, where he and his business partner had taken a mixture of cocaine, ecstasy and other substances over several days. The binge triggered what doctors later diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenia.
Sentencing him to a hospital order with restrictions, Judge Alexia Durran KC said: “You are an articulate and intelligent man who had no history of violence. But your mental illness overwhelmed you in the most tragic and devastating way.”
The court was told that Oyekan had given away his luxury belongings — including a £20,000 Rolex and Louis Vuitton luggage — to strangers while in Ibiza, behaviour that alarmed friends and family.
Despite the family’s efforts to seek urgent medical help upon his return to Britain, no intervention was forthcoming. Just two days later, the shocking attack unfolded in the early hours.
His sister rang emergency services reporting that “he’d lost his mind”. Police arriving at the scene found Oyekan in a bedroom armed with a kitchen knife, kneeling over his stepfather’s body. Despite being tasered, he continued the brutal assault, stabbing Mr Thompson multiple times in the chest and neck.
One police officer described the defendant’s expression as “inhuman” and “evil”, and said he appeared completely emotionless throughout.
Prosecutor Louise Oakley told the court: “He was clearly psychotic. He shouted at officers, demanded a ‘remote island’ for his family, and insisted it be ‘cyber secure’. His statements were paranoid, detached from reality and aggressive.”
Ms Oakley also highlighted that Oyekan had shown signs of psychological distress even before the Ibiza trip, fuelled by stress at work and unfounded suspicions about his long-time business partner.
In mitigation, defence barrister Kevin Metzger explained that Oyekan’s family had repeatedly tried to seek mental health support. “This was a preventable tragedy,” he said. “Had he seen a clinician on 10 July, as the family wished, the outcome may have been very different.”
A letter penned by Oyekan from custody was read in court. In it, he expressed “profound sorrow” for killing someone he loved and respected deeply. “On that day, I lost more than my liberty,” he wrote. “I lost someone who was like a father to me. The pain I feel is endless.”
During emotional victim impact statements, Mr Thompson’s family painted a picture of a generous and gentle man, a devoted West Ham United fan, and a loving presence in their lives.
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His mother, Veronica Thompson, said: “Eighteen months ago I said goodbye to my beautiful son. It was the worst day of my life. Jason was kind, generous, thoughtful and loved beyond words.”
A relative, Kariba Rhooms, addressed the defendant directly: “Femi, you have a mental disorder – accept it and stay away from drugs. We recognise you are unwell, but that doesn’t erase what you’ve done.”
Oyekan, who has previous convictions related to drug possession and supply, is now being treated in a secure psychiatric unit.
Judge Durran concluded: “It is clear you require lifelong support. You are working hard on your recovery and taking responsibility. I hope that continues.”
Oyekan will remain detained under the Mental Health Act for as long as doctors and the courts deem necessary for the protection of the public and himself.
