EastEnders has confirmed that this week’s powerful episodes will feature a fatal stabbing, bringing Kojo Asare’s emotional cuckooing storyline to a devastating close.

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Okie’s Death Shocks Walford

In scenes airing later this week, Kojo (Dayo Koleosho) and Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloways) finally come face to face with their abuser Okie Okyere (Aayan Ibikunle Shoderu) after months of manipulation. What begins as a tense confrontation spirals out of control when Harry, trying to defend Kojo, accidentally stabs Okie.

The BBC has now confirmed that Okie will die from his injuries, marking a tragic conclusion to one of the show’s most harrowing and socially charged storylines in recent memory.

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The End of a Heartbreaking Journey

Kojo’s ordeal began earlier this year when he fell victim to cuckooing — a form of exploitation in which criminals take over the home of a vulnerable person to use it for illegal activities. Under the control of Okie and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), Kojo was manipulated into a dangerous world of drugs and violence.

Last week’s episodes saw Kojo and Harry finally break free and report their ordeal to the police, but their attempts to move on are tragically cut short by this week’s shocking events.

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EastEnders Praised for Tackling Cuckooing With Sensitivity

Executive producer Ben Wadey said the show’s creative team worked closely with experts and charities to ensure the storyline was portrayed with authenticity and care.

“Cuckooing is a form of exploitation that too often goes unseen and hasn’t featured on EastEnders before,” Wadey explained. “Through Kojo’s experience, we hope to have shined a light on how easily vulnerable people can be manipulated and isolated. It’s something that can happen in any community, but feels particularly resonant in a city like London.”

The production team collaborated with Causeway, The Ben Kinsella Trust, and the National Autistic Society to portray the issue responsibly and to raise awareness about recognizing the signs of exploitation.

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Charities Respond to the Storyline

Helen Ball, CEO of Causeway, praised the soap for using its platform to highlight an often overlooked crime:

“Cuckooing is a cruel and dehumanising form of exploitation where the home of someone vulnerable is taken over by criminals. We were grateful to EastEnders for the opportunity to work with their team on the research behind this storyline.”

Dr. Judith Brown from the National Autistic Society added:

“Autistic people are more at risk of abuse, victimisation and exploitation than non-autistic people. We hope this storyline encourages any autistic person or parent of autistic children to learn what abuse and exploitation can look like.”

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A Powerful Message for Viewers

While Okie’s death will bring an emotional end to this chapter, the storyline’s message will continue to echo beyond Albert Square — reminding viewers how exploitation can destroy lives in silence and how reaching out for help can save them.