A man and woman have been charged following the killing of 76-year-old Nelly Akomah – a well-known figure in Tooting’s Christian community.
Hugo Da Silva Pires, 28, and Catia Feliciano, 31, both of Thornton Heath, were arrested at Stanstead Airport on Friday, June 23.
Pires has been charged with murder, burglary and fraud while Feliciano has been charged with fraud and perverting the course of justice.
The pair will appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, June 28.
Detectives launched their investigation after Nelly was found dead in her Ladbrook Road property, Thornton Heath, at 10.40pm, on Wednesday, June 21.
She had been the leader of the Nigerian Methodist Mission UK and Ireland and a member of the Tooting Methodist Church
In an online statement, church member Ayodeji Okegbile mourned the loss of a “long-standing leader” and “beloved mother”.
“She will always be dearly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with her long children, grandchildren, family, Tooting Methodist Church, Nigerian Fellowship and close friends,” he added.
Nelly’s family has been informed of the latest development and will continue to be supported by family liaison officers.
