The mother of Abraham Badru, a 26-year-old man shot dead outside his home in Dalston, east London, on 25 March, has said she believes he was killed in revenge for helping to convict a gang of rapists. Badru received a bravery award in 2009 after intervening to save a girl from being gang-raped at a party and later giving evidence against her attackers.
His mother, Ronke Badru, said she believed 'in my heart' that his actions as a 14-year-old led to his death. She said her son was threatened and his home was pelted with eggs after the incident, leaving him 'scared for his life'. He moved to Bristol in 2009 to study but returned to London in 2016 to look for work.
Ms Badru said her son later encountered one of the attackers, who had been released from prison, in a nightclub and had to flee. His car was also vandalised. She described Abraham as 'a very peaceful man' and 'a very respectful boy and loving child'.
Detectives have said revenge is one line of inquiry but also believe it may have been a case of mistaken identity. Det Ch Insp Noel McHugh said: 'I have said the answer lies in the community and I still believe that.' Police are trying to trace four people who were near the scene but have not yet come forward, and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a male cycling in the area on a white bicycle at the time of the murder.
A £20,000 reward is on offer for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the killer.
