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The Independent
21-04-2025
- The Independent
Family of student shot and stabbed on his way home 10 years ago launch fresh appeal
The family of a man who was fatally shot and stabbed when coming home from a football match a decade ago have issued a fresh appeal for information. Ola Raji, a 21-year-old student, was attacked and killed in Peckham, south London, on 21 April 2015, the Metropolitan Police said. He had spent the evening at a friend's house watching a Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Porto. Later that night, while cycling through the East Surrey Grove estate, he was stabbed and shot by two men. He later died in hospital. The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for the murder. The force said it was particularly interested in speaking to witnesses described as 'a female driving a black Vauxhall Corsa in the area between 9.45pm to 11pm', and 'two males who returned to an address in Pear Court at 11.10pm'. Mr Raji's sisters, Zainab and Ruki Ware, described the anniversary as 'a painful reminder of 10 years of loss', adding: 'Our family is not going to get that time back.' They said Mr Raji's absence is felt deeply during family gatherings. 'When we get together, there is always that sense of something missing,' they said. 'There are children who never get to know their uncle, who would still be so young even now. The laughter we share is that little less loud. There is a smile absent in the photographs.' But the sisters stressed the tragedy goes beyond their personal grief. 'This is not just about our family,' they said. 'It's about safety on the streets of Peckham and the wider south London area. 'There is no doubt the people who did this once could carry out similar attacks again. Maybe they already have. 'We are getting closer to the truth – for example, we now know about phone calls Ola received shortly before the attack.' They urged anyone with information to come forward, adding: 'Just the smallest piece of evidence from any witnesses or those with knowledge of what happened could be enough to put those responsible behind bars and make the streets safer for the entire community.' Detective chief inspector Alex Gammampila, who is overseeing the case, said the victim was 'an innocent man, in the wrong place at the worst time'. He said the killing had a lasting impact on those close to the 21-year-old, adding: 'His murder has devastated his friends and family, and those in the local community.' A decade later, police are still urging the public to help. 'We continue to appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward,' he said. He called on anyone who may have been in the area that night to think back: 'Were you out in Peckham that night? Were you also watching the football that night, or were you near Commercial Way? Did you see or hear the shooting or anything that struck you as being unusual?' He stressed that even the smallest detail could prove crucial: 'No piece of information is too small, and could be the final piece of the puzzle that leads us to identify Ola's attackers.' Detectives continue to investigate the possibility that Mr Raji's attackers left the scene on foot via a cut through from Cator Street, into Sumner Road, before turning into Rosemary Road heading in the direction of the Surrey Canal Path, the Met said. Three individuals were arrested on suspicion of murder, and a further two individuals were arrested for perverting the course of justice, but no further action was taken against them and no criminal charges were ever brought.
Scottish Sun
21-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
Fresh clues in unsolved murder of student, 21, shot & stabbed while cycling home in ‘senseless' attack a decade ago
His family say his attackers would 'no doubt' do this again COLD CASE MYSTERY Fresh clues in unsolved murder of student, 21, shot & stabbed while cycling home in 'senseless' attack a decade ago FRESH clues have been revealed in the unsolved murder of a student who was fatally shot and stabbed while cycling home from a friend's house. Ola Raji, 21, was senselessly attacked in Peckham, South London, in 2015 and tragically died later that evening in hospital. 3 Ola Raji was cycling home when he was brutally stabbed and shot Credit: PA 3 His family are appealing to the public to come forward with any information Credit: PA The student had been cycling home after watching a Champions League football match between Bayern Munich and Porto. Later, while cycling on the East Surrey Grove estate, near Commercial Way, he was mercilessly stabbed and shot by two men. Emergency services were called to the scene but despite their best efforts, Ola was soon pronounced dead. Three people were arrested on suspicion of murder and two others for perverting the course of justice. However, no criminal charges were ever brought. A decade on, the Met Police have revealed new clues in the unsolved murder - calling on three particular individuals to come forward to speak. 3 A decade on and police still haven't been able to identify his attackers Credit: PA In a statement, the force said they would like to talk to a woman who was driving a black Vauxhall Corsa between 9:45pm and 11pm and two men who returned to an address in Pear Court at 11:30pm. Cops and Ola's family have urged members of the public to come forward with any information. The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that helps identify those responsible for Ola's murder. In a heartbreaking plea for the public's help, Ola's sisters, Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware said: 'This is a painful reminder of 10 years of loss — our family is not going to get that time back. Disappearance of woman, 37, last seen leaving work being treated as 'murder' "When we get together, there is always that sense of something missing. "There are children who never get to know their Uncle, who would still be so young even now. "The laughter we share is that little less loud. There is a smile absent in the photographss. 'But this is not just about our family. It's about safety on the streets of Peckham and the wider South London area. "There is no doubt the people who did this once could carry out similar attacks again. Maybe they already have. 'We are getting closer to the truth — for example, we now know about phone calls Ola received shortly before the attack. The laughter we share is that little less loud. There is a smile absent in the photograph Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware "Just the smallest piece of evidence from any witnesses or those with knowledge of what happened could be enough to put those responsible behind bars and make the streets safer for the entire community.' Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Ola was an innocent man, in the wrong place at the worst time. "His murder has devastated his friends and family, and those in the local community. 'Ten years on, we continue to appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward. His murder has devastated his friends and family, and those in the local community Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware 'Were you out in Peckham that night? Were you also watching the football that night, or were you near Commercial Way?' "Did you see or hear the shooting or anything that struck you as being unusual? 'No piece of information is too small, and could be the final piece of the puzzle that leads us to identify Ola's attackers.' Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at Crimestoppers said: 'As the family of Ola Raji continue their heartfelt appeal for justice 10 years after this tragic murder, we want to remind people that his attackers have still not been caught. 'This is deeply unsettling for his loved ones and the local community. That is why, as part of this 10th-anniversary appeal, we are offering up to £20,000 for information received by our charity Crimestoppers that helps lead to the conviction of Ola's attackers. 'We know that there may be several witnesses who have information but for whatever reason talking to the police is not an option. "We are an independent charity, separate from the police, and we are unable to identify anyone who contacts us.' Anyone with information can call 101 or message @MetCC on X, giving the reference 2597/16APR25. Information, including photos or videos, can also be easily uploaded to the dedicated appeal page.
The Irish Sun
21-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
Fresh clues in unsolved murder of student, 21, shot & stabbed while cycling home in ‘senseless' attack a decade ago
FRESH clues have been revealed in the unsolved murder of a student who was fatally shot and stabbed while cycling home from a friend's house. Ola Raji, 21, was senselessly attacked in Peckham, South London, in 2015 and tragically died later that evening in hospital. Advertisement 3 Ola Raji was cycling home when he was brutally stabbed and shot Credit: PA 3 His family are appealing to the public to come forward with any information Credit: PA The student had been cycling home after watching a Champions League football match between Bayern Munich and Porto. Later, while cycling on the East Surrey Grove estate, near Commercial Way, he was Emergency services were called to the scene but despite their best efforts, Ola was soon pronounced dead. Three people were arrested on suspicion of Advertisement Read more on News However, no criminal charges were ever brought. A decade on, the 3 A decade on and police still haven't been able to identify his attackers Credit: PA In a statement, the force said they would like to talk to a woman who was driving a black Vauxhall Corsa between 9:45pm and 11pm and two men who returned to an address in Pear Court at 11:30pm. Advertisement Cops and Ola's family have urged members of the public to come forward with any information. Most read in The Sun The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that helps identify those responsible for Ola's murder. In a heartbreaking plea for the public's help, Ola's sisters, Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware said: 'This is a painful reminder of 10 years of loss — our family is not going to get that time back. Disappearance of woman, 37, last seen leaving work being treated as 'murder' "When we get together, there is always that sense of something missing. Advertisement "There are children who never get to know their Uncle, who would still be so young even now. "The laughter we share is that little less loud. There is a smile absent in the photographss. 'But this is not just about our family. It's about safety on the streets of Peckham and the wider South London area. "There is no doubt the people who did this once could carry out similar attacks again. Maybe they already have. Advertisement 'We are getting closer to the truth — for example, we now know about phone calls Ola received shortly before the attack. The laughter we share is that little less loud. There is a smile absent in the photograph Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware "Just the smallest piece of evidence from any witnesses or those with knowledge of what happened could be enough to put those responsible behind bars and make the streets safer for the entire community.' Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Ola was an innocent man, in the wrong place at the worst time. "His murder has devastated his friends and family, and those in the local community. Advertisement 'Ten years on, we continue to appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward. His murder has devastated his friends and family, and those in the local community Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware 'Were you out in Peckham that night? Were you also watching the football that night, or were you near Commercial Way?' "Did you see or hear the shooting or anything that struck you as being unusual? 'No piece of information is too small, and could be the final piece of the puzzle that leads us to identify Ola's attackers.' Advertisement Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at Crimestoppers said: 'As the family of Ola Raji continue their heartfelt appeal for justice 10 years after this tragic murder, we want to remind people that his attackers have still not been caught. 'This is deeply unsettling for his loved ones and the local community. That is why, as part of this 10th-anniversary appeal, we are offering up to £20,000 for information received by our charity Crimestoppers that helps lead to the conviction of Ola's attackers. 'We know that there may be several witnesses who have information but for whatever reason talking to the police is not an option. "We are an independent charity, separate from the police, and we are unable to identify anyone who contacts us.' Advertisement Anyone with information can call 101 or message @MetCC on X, giving the reference 2597/16APR25. Information, including photos or videos, can also be easily uploaded to the dedicated appeal page.
Sky News
21-04-2025
- Sky News
Ola Raji: Fresh appeal in unsolved murder of student shot and stabbed as he cycled home
The family of a student who was fatally shot and stabbed while cycling home from a friend's house have appealed for the public's help to get justice a decade after his death. Ola Raji, 21, was shot and stabbed in Peckham in 2015 by two men on the East Surrey Grove estate, near Commercial Way, and later died in hospital. Police say he had been cycling home after watching a football match at a friend's house on the night of Tuesday, 21 April. Three people were arrested on suspicion of murder after the attack, and two others were arrested for perverting the course of justice, but no further action was taken, and no criminal charges were ever brought. Ola's family and the police are appealing for information on the 10-year anniversary of his death, with Crimestoppers offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for the murder. Metropolitan Police say they are particularly interested in speaking to witnesses described as: • A female driving a black Vauxhall Corsa in the area between 9.45pm to 11pm. • Two males who returned to an address in Pear Court at 11.10pm. In the appeal, Ola's sisters Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware said: "This is a painful reminder of 10 years of loss - our family is not going to get that time back. "When we get together, there is always that sense of something missing. There are children who never get to know their uncle, who would still be so young even now. The laughter we share is that little less loud. There is a smile absent in the photographs." Ola's family continued: "But this is not just about our family. It's about safety on the streets of Peckham and the wider south London area. There is no doubt the people who did this once could carry out similar attacks again. Maybe they already have. "We are getting closer to the truth - for example, we now know about phone calls Ola received shortly before the attack. Just the smallest piece of evidence from any witnesses or those with knowledge of what happened could be enough to put those responsible behind bars and make the streets safer for the entire community." Appealing to potential witnesses, investigation lead DCI Alex Gammampila said: "Were you out in Peckham that night? Were you also watching the football that night, or were you near Commercial Way? Did you see or hear the shooting or anything that struck you as being unusual? "No piece of information is too small, and could be the final piece of the puzzle that leads us to identify Ola's attackers." Ola was watching a Champion's League football match between Bayern Munich and Porto. Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, added: "We know that there may be several witnesses who have information but for whatever reason talking to the police is not an option. We are an independent charity, separate from the police, and we are unable to identify anyone who contacts us." Anyone with information can call 101 or message the police at @MetCC on X, giving the reference 2597/16APR25. Information, including photos or videos, can also be easily uploaded to the Met's appeal page.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
Ola Raji: Fresh appeal in unsolved murder of student shot and stabbed as he cycled home
The family of a student who was fatally shot and stabbed while cycling home from a friend's house have appealed for the public's help to get justice a decade after his death. Ola Raji, 21, was shot and stabbed in Peckham in 2015 by two men on the East Surrey Grove estate, near Commercial Way, and later died in hospital. Police say he had been cycling home after watching a football match at a friend's house on the night of Tuesday, 21 April. Three people were arrested on suspicion of murder after the attack, and two others were arrested for perverting the course of justice, but no further action was taken, and no criminal charges were ever brought. Ola's family and the police are appealing for information on the 10-year anniversary of his death, with Crimestoppers offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for the murder. Metropolitan Police say they are particularly interested in speaking to witnesses described as: • A female driving a black Vauxhall Corsa in the area between 9.45pm to 11pm. • Two males who returned to an address in Pear Court at 11.10pm. In the appeal, Ola's sisters Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware said: "This is a painful reminder of 10 years of loss - our family is not going to get that time back. "When we get together, there is always that sense of something missing. There are children who never get to know their uncle, who would still be so young even now. The laughter we share is that little less loud. There is a smile absent in the photographs." Read more:Woman stabbed to death in Enfield, north London Ola's family continued: "But this is not just about our family. It's about safety on the streets of Peckham and the wider south London area. There is no doubt the people who did this once could carry out similar attacks again. Maybe they already have. "We are getting closer to the truth - for example, we now know about phone calls Ola received shortly before the attack. Just the smallest piece of evidence from any witnesses or those with knowledge of what happened could be enough to put those responsible behind bars and make the streets safer for the entire community." Appealing to potential witnesses, investigation lead DCI Alex Gammampila said: "Were you out in Peckham that night? Were you also watching the football that night, or were you near Commercial Way? Did you see or hear the shooting or anything that struck you as being unusual? "No piece of information is too small, and could be the final piece of the puzzle that leads us to identify Ola's attackers." Ola was watching a Champion's League football match between Bayern Munich and Porto. Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, added: "We know that there may be several witnesses who have information but for whatever reason talking to the police is not an option. We are an independent charity, separate from the police, and we are unable to identify anyone who contacts us." Anyone with information can call 101 or message the police at @MetCC on X, giving the reference 2597/16APR25. Information, including photos or videos, can also be easily uploaded to the Met's . You can provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or by filling out its online form.
