Defense Paints Murder Victim as the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’

By Elizabeth Brady [former] - November 6, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Victims |

Prosecutors displayed a homicide defendant’s text message that read, “I might go to jail,” to a jury before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 5.

Rafael Stevens, 39, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Aniekobo Umoh, 50, on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE.

Jermall Johnson, 40, is also charged in connection to Umoh’s death. On Oct. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted the defendants’ request to sever their cases, which allowed them to be tried separately. 

During opening statements, the prosecution insisted that Steven and Johnson planned the shooting outside of a liquor store, claiming Umoh “could have not known” it was his last day. 

“I wish I could tell you why this happened,” the prosecution continued, stating its plan to prove every charge.

However, Varsha Govindaraju, Stevens’ attorney, claimed that “Stevens just wanted a conversation, [Umoh] turned it into a confrontation” as the incident was instigated by Stevens allegedly asking Umoh “can you stop selling drugs to my sister?” 

The altercation escalated when Umoh, reportedly known as the “Nigerian Nightmare,” allegedly threatened to kill Stevens, according to Govindaraju. Stevens reacted by pulling out a gun in self-defense while walking backwards. In response, Umoh continued to walk forward to grab the gun when it went off, shooting Umoh in the upper chest. 

Painting Umoh as an entrepreneur, his sister testified that the victim was a family man who worked hard as a pipe fitter and a barber and the prosecution presented photos on poster boards to the jury

The defense showed the jury the footage of the shooting, which was compiled by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who later testified. 

A responding officer testified he arrived at the scene over a minute after the initial gunshots were heard. He took command of the crime scene but did not help Umoh because he didn’t have gloves.

Jason Tulley, Stevens’ attorney, argued the defense’s ability to cross examine the officer was limited due to Judge Raffinan granting a motion from the prosecution preventing questions allegedly about the about the incomplete investigation at the scene, and 12 investigations into the officer’s conduct. 

Another responding officer testified she followed the ambulance transporting Umoh to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, Her body camera footage displayed how she maintained the chain of custody preserving Umoh’s bloody and bullet-holed clothes for homicide detectives. The items were physically shown to the jury.

A detective also testified about his involvement in the search warrant that was executed in Johnson’s home on Jan. 4, 2023. According to the officer, he accompanied members of the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), and assisted in recovering Johnson’s Social Security card, driver’s license, abcredit card, and a black jacket, which was similar to one that a suspect wore on the day of Umoh’s murder. 

The trial is set to reconvene on Nov. 6.