Nigerian Man And Accomplice Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For M8rder In UK

A Nigerian individual, Lekan Akinsoji, has received a life imprisonment sentence for m8rder in the United Kingdom.

Akinsoji, aged 27, a drill rapper, and his associate, Sundjata Keita, also 27, from Cruikshank Road E15, were present at the Old Bailey on Friday, 24 October, 2025.

Both individuals were given life sentences after the Metropolitan Police connected them to the 2017 m8rder via DNA evidence.

Akinsoji was imprisoned for a minimum period of 28 years, whereas Keita was given a minimum period of 22 years.

A jury at the Old Bailey found the duo guilty of a m8rder on Thursday, 9 October, related to the k!lling of Ahmed Deen-Jah in East London.

A m8rder probe was initiated on Sunday, 2 April, 2017, following the stabbing of Ahmed – who was 24 years old – in an unprovoked attack inside a convenience store close to Custom House station in Newham.

Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, who headed the investigation, stated: “I hope the long sentences provide some measure of closure to Ahmed’s family, who have waited almost a decade for justice.

“Akinsoji and Keita launched a cold-blooded and unprovoked attack. Worse still, they then sought to evade the law – and were able to do so until 2023, when damning forensic evidence came to light.”

On the day of the m8rder, CCTV footage captured Ahmed entering the store on Freemasons Road, Newham, at approximately 15:20hrs, where he purchased a cigarette lighter.

He was observed returning to the shop about 30 seconds later, pursued by a man in a balaclava. The man pursued Ahmed around the shop, then stabbed him and fled the scene. Ahmed was unfortunately declared d3ad at the location.

Akinsoji and Keita were initially detained as part of the investigation, within eight days. They were released under investigation while officers pursued intricate inquiries.

In 2023, a review of the investigation was conducted which involved thorough phone analysis, positioning Keita’s phone within the vehicle used for the m8rder. The car had journeyed to Epping Forest after the m8rder, where it was subsequently discovered ablaze.

An evidence compilation – encompassing forensic outcomes from a knife sheath discovered near the scene and DNA results from the victim’s hand – was presented to the Crown Prosecution Service. This had revealed a match for the DNA of the two men.

After this significant development, the men were rearrested on Friday, 25 October, 2024, and then charged with m8rder.

A trial for the two individuals commenced on Monday, 8 September. The court was informed how Ahmed’s m8rder stemmed from “tit for tat” violence between gangs, and that both men had been circulating the area in a stolen car, searching for individuals they believed belonged to a rival gang.

CCTV footage shown in court depicted Akinsoji surprising Ahmed and pursuing him into the shop, before st@bbing him.

After the conviction, Ahmed’s father expressed he was “overwhelmed with relief” for his mental health and expressed gratitude to police for diligently working to ensure the killers faced justice.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli