Photojournalist dies after brutal Melbourne assault by released immigration detainee

Veteran photojournalist Dominic O’Brien, 62, has died in hospital, six days after being allegedly assaulted in Footscray on Sunday, June 15. The incident occurred just before 10 am at the intersection of Nicholson and Paisley Streets in an outdoor shopping mall, where O’Brien was reportedly approached by 43‑year‑old Lominja Friday Yokoju.

The suspect

Yokoju, a former immigration detainee on a bridging visa and part of the “NZYQ cohort” released after a High Court ruling in late 2023, was arrested at the scene. He was initially charged with intentionally causing serious injury. Witnesses allege Yokoju struck and stomped on O’Brien’s head during the confrontation.

The veteran photojournalist Dominic O’ Brien

Dominic O’Brien, a renowned photographer for major outlets including The Age, The Australian, Getty Images, AAP, and Reuters, was a well‑respected figure in photojournalism and known for his work with Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. Colleagues described him as a “talented storyteller” who embraced both analogue and digital photography techniques.

Police investigation

Following O’Brien’s death on Saturday morning, June 21, police confirmed they are reviewing the existing charges and may upgrade them pending the outcome of the post‑mortem.

Yokoju remains in custody and is scheduled to face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 20, 2025, for a committal hearing.

The incident has led to widespread public and political backlash. Figures such as Andrew Hastie and Brad Battin have criticized the government’s handling of immigration detainee releases, while the Maribyrnong Council has pledged to bolster safety in Footscray.