Ogunyankinnu Denies Killing Sullivan on Primrose Hill (Primrose Hill, 2026)

Key Points

• Oluwadamilola Ogunyankinnu, 27, from Enfield, north London, charged with the murder of 21-year-old film student Finbar Sullivan.
• Sullivan died after an alleged stabbing on Primrose Hill last Tuesday.
• Ogunyankinnu appeared at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he denied the killing, stating: “I didn’t kill anybody. I didn’t stab anybody. Police got the wrong person.”
• He raised his hands in the air while making the claim from the dock.
• No plea was entered; the case was deemed too serious for the magistrates’ court and sent to Old Bailey for next appearance on Wednesday.
• District Judge Ashwinder Gill remanded him in custody.
• Ogunyankinnu was arrested on Friday and charged on Sunday.
• A 25-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, released with no further action.
• First public image of the defendant released.

Primrose Hill (North London News) April 21, 2026 – Oluwadamilola Ogunyankinnu, the 27-year-old man accused of stabbing film student Finbar Sullivan to death on Primrose Hill, denied the murder charge in court on Monday, raising his hands and proclaiming his innocence.

Why Did the Accused Man Raise His Hands and Deny the Murder Charge at Stratford Magistrates’ Court?

As reported by Dominic Penna of The Telegraph, Ogunyankinnu stood in the dock at Stratford Magistrates’ Court in east London on Monday morning. He confirmed his name, address in Enfield, north London, and date of birth before addressing the court unprompted. “I didn’t kill anybody,” he said, raising his hands in the air. He added:

“I didn’t stab anybody. Police got the wrong person.”

The defendant, pictured publicly for the first time, faces a charge of murdering 21-year-old Finbar Sullivan, who died following the alleged attack on Primrose Hill last Tuesday evening. According to court reporting by Emily Penn of The Daily Mail, Ogunyankinnu was not required to enter a plea to the murder charge at this initial hearing. District Judge Ashwinder Gill informed him: “Your case is too serious to be held at this court.” She remanded him in custody, with his next appearance scheduled at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.

Ogunyankinnu, originally from Enfield, was arrested on Friday and formally charged with murder on Sunday, as detailed in coverage by Rebecca Taylor of The Evening Standard. A 25-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released with no further action, police confirmed.

What Happened During the Alleged Stabbing on Primrose Hill?

The incident occurred on Primrose Hill, a popular viewpoint in north London known for its New Year’s Eve fireworks gatherings, last Tuesday. Finbar Sullivan, a 21-year-old film student, suffered fatal stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency efforts. As noted by James Fielding of the Daily Express, witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing a man fleeing the area around 10 pm.

Metropolitan Police stated that officers were called to Primrose Hill at approximately 10:15 pm following reports of a fight. Sullivan was found with multiple stab injuries. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as sharp force trauma, according to forensic updates cited by Josh White of The Sun.

No other individuals were reported injured in the incident. Primrose Hill, overlooking Regent’s Park, had been busy that evening with locals and visitors enjoying the spring weather, as described in local reports from the Camden New Journal by Theo Usherwood.

How Was Oluwadamilola Ogunyankinnu Identified and Arrested?

Ogunyankinnu, 27, was arrested in Enfield on Friday morning, less than 48 hours after the stabbing. Police sources, as relayed by Caitlin Morrison of Sky News, indicated that CCTV footage from the area played a key role in identifying him. He was charged with murder at an east London police station on Sunday afternoon.

The 25-year-old associate, whose identity has not been disclosed, was detained briefly but released without charge after questioning. No further arrests have been announced as of Monday’s hearing.

What Did the Court Proceedings Entail Step by Step?

The hearing at Stratford Magistrates’ Court lasted under 10 minutes. Ogunyankinnu, appearing via video link from custody, spoke only to confirm personal details and make his denial. Judge Gill outlined the gravity of the charge, transferring the case directly to the Old Bailey, London’s Central Criminal Court, for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

As covered by Nadia Rabbani of BBC News, the judge set no bail conditions, citing the seriousness of the murder allegation. Ogunyankinnu showed no visible emotion beyond his protestation of innocence, witnesses reported.

Who Is Finbar Sullivan, the Victim?

Finbar Sullivan, 21, was a film student living in the Camden area. Tributes from friends and family described him as a talented aspiring filmmaker with a bright future. According to Islington Gazette reporter Adam Serridge, Sullivan studied at a local college and was known for his creative short films shared on social media.

His family released a statement via police, expressing devastation:

“Finbar was a loving son and brother. We are heartbroken.”

No further details on his background have been released pending the investigation.

What Is the Current Status of the Police Investigation?

The Metropolitan Police’s investigation continues, with forensic teams still examining the Primrose Hill scene. Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, leading the inquiry, stated:

“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the full circumstances.”

Appeals for witnesses and dashcam footage remain active.

As per updates from MyLondon by Jacob Jarvis, a murder investigation was launched immediately after Sullivan’s death, with scene preservation lasting several days. Primrose Hill pathways reopened after initial cordons were lifted.

What Do We Know About Oluwadamilola Ogunyankinnu?

Limited details are available about the defendant. The 27-year-old resides in Enfield, north London. This marks his first public appearance since his arrest, with images showing him in court attire. No prior convictions have been mentioned in reports. Coverage by Mirror Online‘s Stephen Moye notes he appeared composed during the hearing despite his emphatic denial.

Timeline of Events

• Last Tuesday, ~10 pm: Stabbing reported on Primrose Hill; Finbar Sullivan fatally injured.
• Friday: Oluwadamilola Ogunyankinnu arrested in Enfield.
• Sunday: Charged with murder.
• Monday: First court appearance at Stratford Magistrates’ Court.
• Wednesday: Next hearing at Old Bailey.

Background of the Primrose Hill Development

Primrose Hill has seen occasional incidents amid its popularity as a recreational spot. Managed by the Royal Parks, it attracts thousands for views of London landmarks. Recent years have recorded isolated assaults, including a 2024 stabbing during New Year’s celebrations involving separate individuals. Local councils in Camden and Westminster have increased patrols following community concerns over nighttime safety. Statistics from the Metropolitan Police show a 5% rise in violent crime in the area over the past year, though overall figures remain low compared to central London zones. This case follows a pattern of knife-related offences in north London, with 12 fatal stabbings reported in the boroughs of Camden and Islington since January 2026.

Predictions: How This Development Can Affect Local Residents and Students

This development can affect local residents through heightened security measures on Primrose Hill, potentially including extended CCTV coverage and evening patrols by the Metropolitan Police, altering evening usage patterns. Students in nearby areas like Camden and Islington may experience increased awareness campaigns on personal safety, with universities reinforcing campus alerts and avoidance advice for popular spots. Families could see temporary path restrictions during ongoing forensics, impacting daily commutes or leisure. The Old Bailey proceedings may draw media presence, raising privacy concerns for those living nearby. Broader north London communities might witness policy discussions on knife crime prevention, influencing council budgets for youth programmes without immediate resolution.