Grammy-Winning Nigerian-British Singer Stabbed to Death in UK

London, United Kingdom – The music world is in mourning following the tragic death of Grammy-winning Nigerian-British singer and songwriter Mark Yinka Orabiyi, professionally known as Talay Riley, who was stabbed to death in east London on Friday morning. He was 35 years old.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, on Rayleigh Road in Silvertown, east London. Police responded to reports of a stabbing and discovered Riley in the garden of a property suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite emergency services’ efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second victim, a man in his 20s, was also found with multiple stab wounds and was transported to a hospital. As of Sunday evening, he remained receiving treatment, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that homicide detectives from the Specialist Crime Command have launched a murder investigation. Three suspects were initially arrested on suspicion of murder: a 27-year-old man, a 24-year-old man, and a 25-year-old woman.

According to police statements, the 27-year-old suspect has been released on bail pending further enquiries, while the 24-year-old man and 25-year-old woman have been released with no further action.

In a heartbreaking statement released through police, Riley’s family described their loss with overwhelming sadness.

“It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark ‘Yinka’ Orabiyi, professionally known as Talay Riley, passed away yesterday morning,” the family statement read.

They continued: “Talay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling songwriter and artist. For those that knew and loved him personally, it is his humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most.”

The family also described Riley as “a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him. We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Riley’s younger brother, Michael Orabiyi Riley, known professionally as Scribz Riley—a successful music producer and songwriter in his own right—shared an emotional tribute on Instagram that revealed the heartbreaking details of their final conversation.

“I never thought the day would come where I’d be writing this, but unfortunately I can confirm that in the morning of Friday 5th June my big brother YINKA (Talay Riley) passed away,” he wrote.

“My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream. Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do. I never imagined that would be our last conversation.”

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He continued: “Yinka wasn’t just my brother. He was my mother’s son, a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives. Even with everything you accomplished this was far too soon. I love you brother. Thank you for everything. Rest in paradise Yinka. Until we meet again.”

Born Mark Yinka Orabiyi in London in 1990, Talay Riley had Nigerian heritage and grew up in East London in a family where music played a central role. He entered the music industry at the young age of 18 after securing a publishing deal with Global Publishing.

His career gained wider recognition following a feature on Chip’s 2009 single ‘Look For Me,’ after which he signed with Jive/Sony Records. Over the years, he toured across the United Kingdom and the United States, sharing stages with major artists including Skepta, Usher, and Trey Songz.

However, it was behind the scenes that Riley made some of his most significant marks. He built an impressive songwriting portfolio that included credits on tracks for some of the biggest names in pop and R&B. His songwriting credits include Chip’s UK No.1 hit ‘Oopsy Daisy,’ Khalid’s global smash ‘Young Dumb & Broke,’ Dua Lipa’s ‘Last Dance,’ as well as work with H.E.R., Chris Brown, Usher, Britney Spears, Kehlani, Craig David, Ella Mai, Nick Jonas, Zendaya, Tinie Tempah, and The Chainsmokers. At the time of his death, he had 76,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

News of Riley’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from across the music industry, with fellow artists and collaborators sharing their shock and condolences on social media.

Craig David, who worked with Riley, commented: “Sending so much love to you & the family. His beautiful energy will continue to be felt & shown from the other side.”

Kehlani shared: “Big hugs scribz i’m so sorry.”

R&B superstar Khalid wrote: “I’m so sorry bro… im sending you so much love.”

Riley’s longtime friend and collaborator, rapper Chip, delivered an emotional tribute on Instagram: “You aint deserve to go out like that fam. Fly high bro. Your pen will live forever. What a day man. What a life. RIP Talay Riley. I’ll cherish the memories forever fam. Prayers and thoughts go out to your family.”

Stormzy was also among the famous artists to pay tribute to the singer. This Morning presenter Rochelle Humes commented: “May he rest in peace. I will always remember how kind he was to everyone and his friendly smile.”

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the investigation, appealed to the public for assistance.

“This is a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones,” she said.

“We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who might have CCTV or other footage from the morning of the incident that could assist our investigation.”

Specialist officers are providing support to Riley’s family during this difficult time. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 1868/5JUN, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Grammy-Winning Nigerian-British Singer Stabbed to Death in UK

Iran Fires Multiple Missile Waves at Israel in First Attack Since April Ceasefire

JERUSALEM/TEHRAN – Iran on Sunday launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel, escalating tensions in the Middle East as Tehran warned that further attacks would continue for days and could expand to include more targets linked to Israel and the United States.

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the strikes as a warning to Israel, saying the action was a response to what it called Israeli aggression, including an earlier attack on Lebanon. According to the IRGC, ballistic missiles were fired at the Ramat David Airbase, located southeast of the northern Israeli city of Haifa. The group also accused the United States and Israel of violating commitments under a ceasefire agreement that took effect in early April.

In a statement, the IRGC declared: “This operation is not a passing event, but rather the beginning of a full week of continuous strikes.” It added: “Waves of missiles and drones will continue to be launched around the clock for the next seven days until the enemy is deterred and ceases its crimes.” The IRGC further warned that “any targeting of Iranian territory will be met with a devastating and overwhelming response beyond all expectation.” The Iranian military body further warned that if Israel repeated what it described as aggressive actions, its response would be wider in scope and would target all American and Israeli interests across the region.

IRGC Aerospace Commander Majid Mousavi declared “promise fulfilled” following the strikes, according to Iranian media reports. Meanwhile, Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, wrote on X: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly stated that it will not tolerate violations of the ceasefire and aggression against Lebanon. Tonight, the aggressors received their response.”

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United States President Donald Trump called on Iran to halt further attacks and resume diplomatic engagement following the missile launches. The White House confirmed Trump had been briefed on the strikes. A Fox News correspondent quoted Trump as saying: “You’ve shot your missiles. That’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal.” Trump also reportedly expressed displeasure with Israel’s earlier strike on Beirut, telling Fox News: “I’m not happy about it.” According to Axios, Trump said he was in contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding: “I’m calling Netanyahu right now and telling him not to attack Iran in response.”

The Jerusalem Post later reported that Trump asked Netanyahu to avoid striking Iran in retaliation. “If Netanyahu strikes them back, it’s just gonna keep going like the last 47 years, or last 3,000 years,” Trump said. “We can achieve peace after 3,000 years.”

Israel’s military said its air defence systems had successfully responded to the attack. The Israel Air Force said it had intercepted “all the missiles launched from Iran so far.” It added that “additional launches” had been detected and that Israeli forces were continuing efforts to track and neutralise incoming threats. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that sirens had been sounded in “several areas across the country.” An IDF spokesperson, Brig Gen Effie Defrin, stated that Iran had made a “grave mistake” and that Israel was “prepared for the possibility of additional fire.”

However, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir struck a more aggressive tone, posting in Hebrew on X: “Tonight, Tehran must burn!” following the attacks on northern Israel. Senior Israeli officials told Channel 12 News that Israel will “respond forcefully” to the Iranian missile attacks, adding that Israel “cannot allow a situation in which Iran fires at Israel in response to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Beirut.”

The Iranian attack occurred hours after Israel struck southern Beirut — the first attack on the Lebanese capital since a US-brokered truce was reached last week. Two air strikes on two residential apartment buildings in the Dahieh district — a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah — killed at least two people and injured at least 20, including women and children, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Anadolu Ajansı reported that the death toll from Sunday’s Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon had risen to eight killed and 13 injured. At least two of those killed were in the Beirut strike, while six others died in airstrikes on villages in the Nabatieh area.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had struck “terrorist headquarters in the Dahieh district of Beirut, in response to Hezbollah’s firing at Israeli territory.” Hezbollah has since confirmed it fired at Israeli military positions. The Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, claimed the army had targeted a Hezbollah infrastructure facility in the area. A joint statement by Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed the attack was carried out in response to Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel Sunday morning.

The escalation comes just months after a ceasefire between Iran, the US, and Israel came into effect in early April. Sebastian Usher, the BBC’s global affairs correspondent in Jerusalem, noted that the tension between Iran, Israel, and the US over Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon has been building in intensity in recent days. “The possibility of a major new escalation in Lebanon prompted President Trump to tell Netanyahu in the strongest possible language to hold back, for fear that any such action would derail the already fraying ceasefire between the US and Iran,” Usher wrote.

A sketchy new ceasefire was subsequently agreed between the Israeli and Lebanese governments at talks mediated by the US. But that ceasefire appeared to have collapsed after Israel carried out strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut in response to continued rocket fire by Hezbollah into Israel. “Much will now depend on Israel’s response,” Usher added. “There could be a new round of tit-for-tat attacks between the two countries that could reignite the Iran war. How President Trump reacts will also be key. For now, he still seems set on trying to defuse the situation.”

Israel has continued carrying out airstrikes in Lebanon since a Hezbollah cross-border attack in early March. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the overall death toll since the outbreak of the armed escalation on March 2 has climbed to 3,613, with 11,072 people injured. The IRGC, in its statement, accused the US and Israel of “failing to honour their commitments” under the ceasefire between Iran, the US, and Israel that came into effect in early April. The ceasefire had been seen as a rare diplomatic achievement in the region, but Sunday’s events suggest its foundations were fragile.

The situation remains highly volatile. Key developments to watch include Israel’s response, as Trump has urged restraint but hardliners in the Israeli cabinet including Ben-Gvir are pushing for retaliation; Iran’s promised week of strikes, as the IRGC has pledged to continue launching waves of missiles and drones for seven days; US diplomatic efforts, as President Trump has urged restraint from both sides but his influence over Netanyahu and Tehran may be tested in the coming days; and Hezbollah’s role, as the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon remains actively engaged, and any further Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory could trigger additional escalation.

Iran Fires Multiple Missile Waves at Israel in First Attack Since April Ceasefire

Gunmen Injure 12 in Shooting Near Ohio Festival in US

At least 12 people were injured in a shooting near a community festival in the U.S. state of Ohio, prompting a major police response and an ongoing manhunt for the suspects involved.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, according to the Toledo Police Department, one of the city’s largest annual cultural events celebrating the historic Old West End district.

Police said officers responded to reports of gunfire at about 5:37 p.m. local time near the festival grounds around the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue, where large crowds had gathered for music, food vendors, and community activities.

Authorities confirmed that multiple victims were struck during the shooting, and emergency responders quickly transported the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.

In an update, officials said 10 victims were in stable condition, while two others remained in critical condition as medical teams continued to provide care.

Speaking on the incident, Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe said preliminary investigations suggest the shooting may have stemmed from an exchange of gunfire between two individuals.

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“It appeared that two people fired weapons and they were probably shooting at each other,” he said, adding that victims ranged in age from 16 to 61 years.

Earlier, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz told local broadcaster WTOL 11 that all injured victims were expected to survive, describing the attack as a disturbing disruption to a long-standing community celebration.

The Old West End Festival is a two-day annual event that attracts thousands of attendees and features live music, food stalls, house tours, and cultural exhibitions across one of the largest historic districts in the United States.

Following the incident, police cordoned off parts of the festival area and launched an intensive investigation, focusing on the surrounding streets where the shooting occurred. Officers are reviewing surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts to identify those responsible.

Videos circulating on social media showed festival-goers running for safety as multiple gunshots rang out, while emergency responders attended to victims and transported some on stretchers. Authorities said the footage is being reviewed as part of the investigation, though it has not yet been independently verified.

Reacting to the shooting, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed concern and offered support to victims and law enforcement officials.

“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” he said. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families… and we are confident that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime.”

Police confirmed that no arrests had been made as of the latest update, but said active efforts were ongoing to track down the suspects and determine the exact motive behind the shooting.

Authorities urged members of the public with information to come forward as investigations continue.

Gunmen Injure 12 in Shooting Near Ohio Festival in US