- My Account
- Logout
- Register
- Login
Pictured: The moment a London tourist dies after screaming 'I can't breathe' to police who restrained him
Related Articles
07 May 2008
Frank Ogboru, 43, was sprayed with CS gas and pinned down after a minor row. CCTV footage captured him losing consciousness after screaming: "I can't breathe. I can't breathe."
The Nigerian businessman, who was in London on holiday, stopped breathing and was declared dead in hospital.
Witnesses said officers had their "knees and feet" on him as he "wailed like a dog".
Scroll down for more...
Frank Ogboru is held down by four police officers in Woolwich with one appearing to have his knee on his neck
Mr Ogboru is said to have 'wailed like a dog' when he was restrained by police in 2006
But the CPS decided there was "insufficient evidence" for any of the officers to be charged in connection with Mr Ogboru's death in Woolwich in September 2006.
Speaking from her home in Lagos, Mr Ogboru's widow, Christy, said: "I am crushed. I put my faith in the British system to give me justice but it has failed me.
"Frank was not a criminal. He did not deserve to die in the street like an animal."
Officers were called to Calderwood Street where Mr Ogboru had rowed with the girlfriend of the man he was staying with.
CCTV footage shows him calmly talking to two officers but when they order him not to return to the flat a struggle ensues.
Two more officers arrive to help restrain him. Footage appears to show one officer's knee over his neck as his head dangles over the kerb.
When the police saw Mr Ogboru had stopped breathing they tried to revive him but it was too late.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission investigated and the four officers were questioned under caution.
A pathologist gave "asphyxia during restraint" as the cause of death but the CPS decided "a jury would find that the restraint was not unlawful" as there was not sufficient evidence that the officers had breached their duty of care.
Mrs Ogboru, 40, has been left penniless. She travelled to London but was forced to return home when the Met and the commission ended her financial support.
She is being represented by solicitor Imran Khan, who acted for the family of Zahid Mubarek, murdered in a young offender institution.
She said: "I want someone to take responsibility for my husband's death. I am determined to find a way to return to the UK as I must have justice."
The four officers remain on restricted duties. The IPCC will send a file to the Met for its recommendation on whether disciplinary action should be taken. The IPCC will then take the final decision.
Comments
Top stories in News
Top stories in News
-
British housewife facing FIRING SQUAD over Bali drugs smuggling charge was 'neighbour from hell' -
They attacked "like a pack" raining fists on a defenceless legal secretary. Yesterday they walked free from court. No wonder their victim says she has been denied justice.
-
Mayor demands report from Transport for London into Jubilee Line nightmare that left hundreds of commuters trapped for hours underground
-
Video: Intruder bursts into Leveson Inquiry to brand Tony Blair a war criminal -
Baroness Warsi calls in Lords watchdog to clear name over expenses
The O2
Check out the cool stuff happening under our tent such as the hottest gigs, comedy, sport, films, clubs, bars, restaurants and much more.
Can you imagine a career in teaching?
Be inspired to teach - let real teachers show you how rewarding the job can be.
Playing a game-changing role during the Games
Cisco is providing the solutions for London 2012's complex IT needs.
Win a Silverstone track day with Zantac 75
Feel the burn of a different kind - 20 Silverstone motoring experiences to be won
Reader Offers email A fantastic selection of
offers, giveaways and
promotions.
Chelsea close in on £62m swoop for Eden Hazard and Hulk
TV Baftas - in pictures
Eden Hazard: What makes the Chelsea and Arsenal target tick?
Drum'n'bass pioneer Goldie creates ‘rose’ portrait of the Queen
Video: South east London factory fire - 'Air raid siren' wakes Greenwich residents
The London best: Yoga classes
Man v Woman v Food: the big burger challenge