Teen planned murder for two years but chose victim at random, prosecutor reveals

A 19-year-old high school student accused of stabbing a Nigerian footballer in Alytus had allegedly planned a murder for nearly two years but selected his victim by chance, Lithuanian prosecutors have confirmed, Alytaus naujienos and LRT.lt report.

The suspect, a senior at Jotvingių Gymnasium, was detained for a maximum three-month pre-trial period following the daylight attack on Chinonso Jeremiah Obi, a player for FK Dainava Alytus. Obi, who suffered stab wounds in the March incident, was hospitalised briefly before being released for outpatient treatment.

Prosecutor Vytautas Gataveckas of Kaunas Regional Prosecutor’s Office told media the investigation had uncovered preliminary evidence suggesting the attack was premeditated. “Based on current findings, the suspect planned a serious crime—specifically, murder—for approximately two years,” Gataveckas stated. However, he clarified that the victim was chosen randomly and not targeted in advance.

Authorities have not disclosed whether racial motives played a role in the attack, though the prosecutor’s office noted that qualifying circumstances—including potential racial hatred—remain under examination. Investigators executed a search of the suspect’s home as part of the probe, which continues under pre-trial detention.

Obi, a Nigerian national, was visited in Alytus this week by representatives from Nigeria’s embassy in Lithuania, who inquired about his health and living conditions.