UK Court Sentences Nigerian-Born Man to Life Imprisonment for Killing Friend Over Debt Dispute

Fawaz Abdulkareem, 36, popularly known as Larry Hoover, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the United Kingdom for the murder of his 32-year-old friend, Daniel Manuel, following a dispute over money.

He will serve a minimum of 17 years in prison.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the incident occurred on July 5, 2025, at Abdulkareem’s apartment on Bondway in Vauxhall, South London. Abdulkareem and Manuel had spent the night at a nightclub before returning to the flat with friends in the early hours of the morning.
Investigators said an argument over an outstanding debt escalated into violence, during which Abdulkareem stabbed Manuel three times with a kitchen knife. After the attack, he reportedly left the apartment with the weapon concealed in his waistband and covered with his T-shirt while informing staff in the building’s communal lobby about the incident.
Upon realizing emergency responders were on their way, Abdulkareem allegedly attempted to dispose of the knife by throwing it from a window on the 14th floor.
Police officers arrived within minutes and arrested him at the scene after noticing bloodstains on his clothing. Although Abdulkareem claimed he acted in self-defence, detectives said evidence indicated Manuel was likely stabbed while his back was turned.
On May 21, a jury at Croydon Crown Court unanimously found Abdulkareem guilty of murder and possession of a bladed article.
Reacting to the tragedy, Manuel’s wife said his violent death had devastated her emotionally, physically, and financially.
Detective Inspector Luke Hampton stated that Abdulkareem attempted to mislead investigators and destroy evidence by disposing of the weapon, but detectives were able to uncover the truth and secure justice for the victim’s family.
Records also show that in 2017, Abdulkareem was sentenced to three years in prison in the United States for aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and aiding and abetting. He was also ordered to pay $930,737.60 in restitution to three financial institutions.