Nigerian-British Teen Jailed for Deadly Firework Attack That Killed 76-Year-Old Pensioner

Photo credit: BBC

An 18-year-old Nigerian-British youth, Nathan Otitodilchukwu, has been sentenced to six years in prison for his role in a firework attack that led to the death of an elderly man, Robert Price, in East London.

The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey on Monday, where Otitodilchukwu appeared alongside a 16-year-old accomplice from Dagenham. The younger boy was handed a prison term of two years and eight months. Both defendants had earlier pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a plea accepted by prosecutors in February.

The fatal incident occurred on July 27, 2024, in Oval Road North, Dagenham, when the younger teen launched a lit firework into Mr. Price’s residence through a gap in a boarded-up window. CCTV footage captured him climbing a gas meter to commit the act, while Otitodilchukwu was seen encouraging him.

The firework ignited a blaze inside the pensioner’s home. Emergency responders, including the London Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service, arrived at the scene, but Mr. Price was discovered unresponsive and declared dead. A post-mortem revealed that he succumbed to burns and smoke inhalation.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the two teenagers laughed and fled the scene following the explosion. Otitodilchukwu was arrested at his home two days later, with police identifying his clothing from surveillance footage. His accomplice was also apprehended shortly after.

“Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke described the incident as "a completely senseless and reckless act" that resulted in a tragic and avoidable loss of life. “The young men involved are now facing the consequences of their decisions,” he added.

Mr. Price’s family expressed their sorrow and extended gratitude to the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and social workers for their support. They requested privacy as they continue to grieve.