A man who fatally stabbed a rival gang member inside a store before pursuing other victims with a shotgun while donning a clown mask has been sentenced to prison. Lekan Akinsoji, 27, is a notorious member of the North Newham gang, known for a history of violent crimes in east London. He had been previously incarcerated in 2019 for an incident involving shooting at armed officers who retaliated by firing at his vehicle.
Akinsoji has now received a life sentence with a minimum term of 28 years for the murder of Ahmed Deen Jah in 2017. During the trial at the Old Bailey in central London, prosecutor Anthony Orchard described Akinsoji’s clown-like appearance as reminiscent of a character from the movie ‘Heat.’
The court learned that Akinsoji, along with an accomplice, was responsible for the brutal killing of Ahmed Deen Jah in 2017. While Akinsoji confessed to being associated with the Woodrange gang, Jah was a prominent member of the Custom House gang. Tragically, Jah’s younger brother, ‘Junior’ Abubakarr Jah, aged 18, was also fatally attacked in Custom House in April 2021.
Although both Akinsoji and his accomplice denied the murder charges, they were found guilty by a jury at the Old Bailey. Akinsoji received a life sentence with a minimum term of 28 years, while his accomplice was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 22 years.
During sentencing, Judge Anthony Leonard, KC, emphasized that regardless of the victim’s gang affiliation, nobody deserves to lose their life due to it. He acknowledged the immense suffering of the victim’s family, who had to endure two trials following the tragic deaths of their sons.
Addressing Akinsoji directly, the judge remarked on the brutality of the stabbing, highlighting the gravity of the crime within the context of gang violence prevalent in the area at that time. The court also heard emotional outbursts from the public gallery following the sentencing.
The incident, captured on CCTV, depicted the fatal attack on Ahmed Deen Jah inside a local store. The victim succumbed to his injuries despite emergency medical intervention. The prosecution detailed the premeditated nature of the attack, which unfolded amidst escalating tensions between rival gangs in East London.
Keita, known by the street name ‘SK,’ who was also involved in the murder, was arrested in Gloucestershire shortly after the incident. Defense counsel highlighted the turbulent environment of gang warfare that influenced the actions of the defendants, expressing regret that Akinsoji had not been rehabilitated earlier to prevent further violence.
The court proceedings revealed that Akinsoji and his associates had embarked on a violent spree armed with dangerous weapons, leading to a confrontation with law enforcement. The dramatic confrontation culminated in a shootout, resulting in the arrest and conviction of all involved parties.
The sentencing marked a significant milestone in holding perpetrators of gang violence accountable, shedding light on the devastating consequences of such criminal activities on individuals and communities.