Determined officers secure conviction eight years on from murder in East London

Two men, who were arrested after a police review identified them as suspects in a 2017 murder investigation have been convicted.

Lekan Akinsoji, 27 (15.01.1998) of no fixed address and Sundjata Keita, 27 (11.03.1998) of St Margaret’s Court, E12 appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 9 October, where following a four-week-trial were found guilty of murdering Ahmed Deen-Jah in East London.

A murder investigation was launched on 2 April 2017 after 24-year-old Ahmed was stabbed during an unprovoked assault in a convenience store in Custom House, Newham.

Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, who led on the investigation said “Eight years on from Ahmed’s vicious murder, today his family finally have the justice they deserve.

“Akinsoji and Keita have spent years thinking they have got away with murdering Ahmed, a man who they had never met and didn’t know. They drove out to Custom House and attacked Ahmed who was simply going to the shops.

“Despite damning forensics evidence against them, they have refused to acknowledge their actions which has put Ahmed’s family through a painful trial.”

On the day of the murder, CCTV showed Ahmed entering the store on Freemasons Road, Newham at around 15:20hrs where he bought a cigarette lighter. He was seen to return to the shop around 30 seconds later being followed by a man wearing a balaclava. The man chased Ahmed around the shop before stabbing him and running away. Ahmed was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Akinsoji and Keita were originally arrested within eight days of the investigation starting. They were released under investigation due to insufficient evidence, as officers continued complex enquiries.

In 2023, an investigation review was carried out which included detailed phone analysis, placing Keita’s phone inside the car used for the murder travelling away from the murder. The car had travelled to Epping Forest following the murder where it was later found on fire.

An evidence package was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service including forensic results from a knife sheath found close to the scene which were a match to Keita. DNA found on the victim's hand was also matched to Akinsoji.

Following this breakthrough, the men were rearrested on Friday, 25 October and subsequently charged with murder.

A trial for the two men began on Monday, 8 September, where the court heard how Ahmed’s murder was a result of “tit for tat” violence between gangs and that both men had been driving around the area in a stolen car, looking for people they suspected being in a rival gang.

CCTV played in court showed the two men ambushing Ahmed and following him into the shop before stabbing him.

On Thursday, 9 October, the jury found both men guilty of murder. They will appear at the Old Bailey on Friday, 24 October for sentencing.

Following the conviction, Ahmed’s father said he was “overwhelmed with relief” and thanked police for working hard to secure this conviction.

Superintendent Kelly Allen added: “This remains a horrendous case where a young man has lost his life. My team worked persistently with the Crown Prosecution Service to find those responsible and make sure that Akinsoji and Keita cannot harm anyone else.

“This case emphasises how the Met Police remain committed to securing justice. We will always look at opportunities to review investigations and ensure those responsible for committing violent crimes such as this are held accountable."