Key Points
- Nigerian man Lekan Akinsoji, a drill rapper, and his accomplice Sundjata Keita have been sentenced to life imprisonment for a 2017 murder in East London.
- Both men were convicted for fatally stabbing 21-year-old Ahmed Deen-Jah, a member of a rival gang, in April 2017.
- Akinsoji received a minimum term of 28 years, while Keita was sentenced to a minimum of 22 years.
- The attack was premeditated, linked to gang rivalry between East London gangs Woodgrange and Custom House.
- The defendants were identified on CCTV and in court evidence, and the jury delivered a majority verdict of 10 to 2.
- The attack involved the victims being chased and stabbed near Custom House Station.
- Akinsoji denied involvement during trial but was found guilty alongside Keita.
- The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey on October 24, 2025.
What Are The Details Of The Murder Case?
As reported by Anthony Orchard KC, prosecutor at the Old Bailey, the murder occurred on April 2, 2017, when Ahmed Deen-Jah, aged 21, was attacked after purchasing a lighter from an off-licence near Custom House Station in East London. The 2025 article by Punch Nigeria states that Deen-Jah was chased into a nearby store called BJ Wines by two men wearing all-black clothing, including ski masks and gloves, who had exited a stolen black Mercedes. During a struggle, Deen-Jah was stabbed in the heart, causing immediate death at the scene, a mere 130 metres from his home.
Who Were The Perpetrators And What Was Their Motive?
According to Impartial Reporter, Lekan Akinsoji, also known as CB—a Nigerian drill rapper from Forest Gate, and his accomplice Sundjata Keita, both 27 years old, were convicted of the murder. Prosecutors alleged that Akinsoji was the individual who performed the stabbing while Keita acted as an accomplice. The motive, as explained by prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC, was tied to ongoing street violence and gang rivalry within East London. Deen-Jah was identified as a member of the Custom House gang, and Akinsoji admitted affiliation with the Woodgrange gang, while Keita denied any gang membership.
Ten days before the murder, Akinsoji appeared in a drill music video titled “Armed and Ready,” boasting about evading arrest with the phrase, “No face, no case, no evvy (evidence),” which was mentioned in court during proceedings.
What Was The Outcome Of The Trial?
As reported by Vanguard Nigeria and Daily Post Nigeria, the trial concluded with the jury delivering a majority guilty verdict of 10 to 2 against both Akinsoji and Keita for murder. Despite Akinsoji’s denial of involvement during court testimony, the evidence presented was found convincing. Both defendants were jailed by Judge Anthony Leonard KC at the Old Bailey on October 24, 2025.
Akinsoji was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 28 years, while Keita was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years, according to Leadership Nigeria. Both men have been remanded in custody following sentencing.
What Has Been The Public And Media Reaction?
The conviction and sentencing of Lekan Akinsoji and Sundjata Keita have been reported widely across Nigerian and UK media outlets, highlighting the challenges of gang-related violence in East London communities. Nigerian platforms like Punch Nigeria and Vanguard have highlighted the case given the nationality of the defendants, while UK outlets emphasized the connection to drill music culture and gang rivalry.
How Has The Case Impacted Local Communities?
Experts and community leaders have pointed to this case as illustrative of broader social issues entwined with gang violence in East London, including youth vulnerability to gang culture and music glorifying crime. The premeditated nature of the attack and the brazen manner in which it was carried out underline ongoing concerns about public safety in the area.
