Nigerian Doctoral Student Charged in Gruesome Lisbon Beheading

A 29‑year‑old Nigerian doctoral student, identified as Jonathan Uno, has been formally charged and remanded in Lisbon in connection with the murder and decapitation of a 34‑year‑old Guinean man. The victim’s body was discovered in the early hours of July 31, 2025, behind the Lisbon Coliseum in the Baixa district. The student voluntarily surrendered to authorities later that same day after walking into São José Hospital carrying the victim’s head in a backpack .

Arrest and Investigation

Uno walked into the hospital with the severed head wrapped in foil, stating it was “related to this situation,” prompting hospital personnel to alert the Public Security Police (PSP), who shared the case with Portugal’s Judicial Police (PJ) . A knife believed to be the murder weapon was seized from Uno’s residence, as well as other objects described as items of “evidentiary interest.” Reports indicate that the head appeared clean and may have been stored in a refrigerator before being brought to the hospital .

Timeline and Relationship

According to investigators, the two men met for the first time on July 30, and a disagreement may have escalated, leading to the fatal outcome the following morning. Authorities have ruled out ties to drug trafficking or organized crime, treating it as an isolated incident with probable personal motive .

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Jonathan Uno faces several serious charges, including:

1. Aggravated murder
2. Desecration of a corpse
3. Illegal weapon possession

He was remanded in custody after a judicial hearing. The PJ confirmed they gathered sufficient evidence to link him to the act, and investigations are ongoing .

Public Reaction & Safety Now

The incident has shocked both Lisbon residents and the broader public. A brutal and isolated act like this has raised concerns about safety in the city’s Baixa and downtown areas, particularly spaces around Rossio and the Coliseum. Lisbon authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, especially when meeting new acquaintances .

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

Here’s what’s clear:

1. The suspect, Jonathan Uno, is a Nigerian doctoral student residing in Portugal.
2. The victim, a 34‑year‑old citizen of Guinea, was decapitated behind a prominent landmark.
3. Uno surrendered himself after transporting the head to the hospital.
4. Investigators secured the suspected weapon and other evidence.

What remains under investigation:

1. The exact motive behind the killing.
2. Whether prior tension or conflict existed.
3. The psychological profile and possible triggers leading to such a violent act.

Implications & Context

This crime has left city officials and safety advocates calling for heightened awareness during first-time meetings with strangers—particularly in nightlife or online dating scenarios. Campaigns promoting the sharing of live locations and meeting in public, well-lit areas have gained renewed traction in Lisbon.

The case highlights how explosive violence can erupt even in seemingly ordinary encounters, and it underscores the need for continued vigilance and mental health awareness.