Nigerian Man, Accomplice Jailed for Life Over 2017 London Murder

A 27-year-old Nigerian man, Lekan Akinsoji, and his accomplice, Sundjata Keita, have been sentenced to life imprisonment in the United Kingdom for the 2017 murder of Ahmed Deen-Jah in East London.

The duo appeared before the Old Bailey on Friday, October 24, 2025, where they were handed life sentences after DNA evidence linked them to the fatal attack. Akinsoji, a drill rapper, was ordered to serve a minimum of 28 years, while Keita, of Cruikshank Road, E15, will serve at least 22 years before being eligible for parole.

A jury had earlier found both men guilty on Thursday, October 9, for the unprovoked stabbing of 24-year-old Ahmed inside a convenience store near Custom House station in Newham on April 2, 2017.

According to the Metropolitan Police, CCTV footage showed Ahmed entering the shop at about 3:20 p.m. to buy a lighter. Moments later, a masked man—later identified as Akinsoji—chased him into the store and stabbed him multiple times before fleeing. Ahmed was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, who led the investigation, described the attack as “cold-blooded and senseless,” adding that the sentencing brought long-awaited justice for Ahmed’s family.

“I hope these long sentences provide some measure of closure to Ahmed’s family, who have waited almost a decade for justice,” Allen said. “Akinsoji and Keita tried to evade the law, but forensic breakthroughs finally exposed their crimes.”

Although both suspects were arrested days after the incident, they were initially released as investigations continued. A major review in 2023 uncovered new forensic evidence, including DNA found on a knife sheath near the scene and on the victim’s hand, which matched both men.

Further phone analysis also placed Keita’s mobile device inside the getaway car, later found burnt in Epping Forest. Following the evidence review, both men were rearrested in October 2024 and charged with murder.

Prosecutors told the court that the killing was part of a “tit-for-tat” gang rivalry, with Akinsoji and Keita driving around in a stolen car searching for perceived rivals before ambushing Ahmed.

In a statement after the sentencing, Ahmed’s father expressed relief and gratitude to investigators, saying the verdict had brought peace of mind after years of anguish.

“I am overwhelmed with relief,” he said. “This justice has lifted a heavy burden from my heart.”