A young British man who had recently been released from a Dubai prison has tragically died in a road accident in Tottenham, as reported by a campaign group.
Marcus Fakana, aged 19, had been jailed in Dubai for several months after engaging in consensual sex with a 17-year-old British girl.
At the time of the incident, both were on vacation, but the girl’s parents reported their relationship to the authorities once she returned to London.
As a result, Fakana, who was 18 at the time, faced arrest and was sentenced to a year in jail.
In Dubai, the legal age of consent is 18, and since the girl involved was 17, she was considered a minor under local regulations.
After spending several months incarcerated, Fakana was released and returned to the UK on July 3.
Tragically, an organization instrumental in securing his release has confirmed his death, three months after his return.
Radha Stirling, CEO of the campaign group Detained in Dubai, commented: “We are heartbroken to share that our client and friend, Marcus Fakana, tragically lost his life in a car accident in Tottenham after his release from Dubai jail.
“His loss is a painful reminder of how precious life is and how unnecessary imprisonment robs people of time they can never regain. Every day of freedom matters.
“He’d shown strength and courage, and he was excited and optimistic about his future.”
She further stated: “It is devastating that Marcus’s journey has been cut short so soon after he began to rebuild his life.”
According to The Standard, Fakana was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with another car. The publication notes that the car did not stop for the police, and officers lost track of it when it sped away.
The police later discovered that the vehicle had crashed into another, and Fakana, the passenger, was transported to the hospital where he unfortunately passed away.
The driver, also 19, has been detained by law enforcement.
Reflecting on her interactions with Fakana, Stirling said: “I remember speaking with Marcus as he bravely turned himself in to face an unfair prison sentence.
“He was surprisingly calm, trusting that we would continue to fight for him. Thankfully, we were able to keep that promise and see him walk free.”
Following his release, she remarked that the experience strengthened his faith, noting: “Regaining his freedom brought Marcus joy, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. He embraced life again with optimism, a deepened commitment to his Christian faith, and excitement for the future.”
Stirling added: “Marcus’s passing is also a reminder of how precious and irreplaceable life is.”
There were no other injuries reported from the accident.
Contact has been made with the Metropolitan Police for their comments on the incident.