Met detectives secure justice following the murder of a teenager in Dagenham

Four men have been jailed for a total of 91 years after being found guilty of fatally stabbing an 18-year-old in Dagenham thanks to the work of dedicated Met officers.

Wazabakana Kukabu, known as Jordan to his loved ones, was tragically murdered last year (May 2023).

At the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 15 October, Michael Tommy-Mbogba, 21 (13.12.02) of Arkwrights, Harlow was sentenced to 29 years. Toulwalase Odunewu, 18 (22.10.05) of Angel Way, Romford was also sentenced to 23 years in prison.

A 16-year-old boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons - was also sentenced to 16 years for the same murder, while a 17-year-old – who also cannot be named - was sentenced to 23 years.

Detective Chief Inspector Laura Semple, who led the investigation, said: “I want to extend our deepest condolences to Jordan’s family and those who knew him - our thoughts very much remain with them today.

“I would also like to thank those witnesses who came forward and provided crucial evidence during the trial, as well as acknowledge the incredible efforts of those Met officers and other emergency service staff who tried so desperately to save Jordan’s life.

“Knife crime has a devastating impact on our communities and rips families apart – that's why we’re committed to doing everything in our power to work with partners and charities, such as the Ben Kinsella Trust, to protect young people and make London safer.”

At around 23:45hrs on Friday, 5 May 2023, Jordan and his friend drove to Dagenham Heathway station, where they parked their car. The four defendants were already nearby and moved towards the vehicle brandishing machetes. One of the defendants stabbed Jordan in the chest while he sat in the back seat.

He managed to sprint away and stop a passing car for help, but quickly collapsed on the road.

Police officers on patrol nearby provided CPR but Jordan was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.

Detectives immediately launched an investigation and pieced together CCTV of the attack and the defendants leaving the scene. They identified witnesses as part of the investigation, who came forward and supplied crucial evidence.

One explained that he had seen the defendants sitting on the top deck of a bus after the murder re-enacting the fatal attack they had just carried out.

Met search teams found a blood-stained knife sheath close to the scene, which was tested and matched to Tommy-Mbogba. Fingerprints were also found in a taxi, which the group had used later that night.

The 17-year-old boy was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Jordan’s friend, while the other three defendants were found guilty of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) against the same victim.

All were also found guilty of a separate incident of violent disorder, which had taken place two days previously.

In a statement Jordan’s father said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank the judge, the prosecution team and the investigation team for all the hard work. My son possessed beauty both inside and out. He had a pure heart and was so gentle he would not harm anyone, yet his life was taken so prematurely. I can only visit Jordan’s grave and mourn the loss of his beautiful presence to this world.”

In a statement Jordan’s mother said: “Words will never explain the pain and devastation I have writing this. Jordan has a family who love him so much and you took my precious son away from us. He always showed his whole family and everyone who knew him love and affection.”

If you are concerned about knife crime or know somebody who carries a weapon, has been a victim or is at risk of becoming a victim - please visit the Crimestoppers website or the Met’s ‘Stop Knife Crime’ web pages.