Ben Wazabanga, 24, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years for the murder of his business partner Ayowale Aladejana, 26, outside his home in New Cross, south London. The killing followed a dispute over funds invested in a car rental business.
Journey to the crime
On August 2, 2025, Wazabanga equipped himself with a hunting knife and drove from Bedford to south London with his partner Ronique Belfon and two young children in the vehicle. The children remained in the car while the stabbing occurred a short distance away. Southwark Crown Court heard that the pair had difficulty contacting Mr Aladejana as the business collapsed and accumulated debts.
Conviction and sentencing
In June, Wazabanga was convicted of murder by a jury. On Tuesday, he received his sentence at the Old Bailey: life with a minimum of 24 years. He had previously admitted to possessing a blade or point and violating a suspended sentence, receiving concurrent terms of 18 months and 12 months respectively. Wazabanga attended court via video-link and observed the sentencing in silence.
The attack
Prosecutor James Brown KC told the trial that Wazabanga stabbed Mr Aladejana in the chest during a daylight altercation partially recorded on a ring doorbell camera. Wazabanga fled, briefly returned to collect his dropped mobile phone, then departed in the vehicle driven by Belfon. Belfon, 23, was acquitted of murder, claiming she was unaware of the knife or planned violence.
Background and evidence
Mr Brown stated that Wazabanga had a "real axe to grind against Mr Aladejana" after investing money for vehicle repairs for the A2M2 car rental enterprise. Messages presented at trial revealed mounting attempts by Wazabanga and Belfon to recover their losses and locate Mr Aladejana. Wazabanga claimed self-defence, but the court heard he routinely carried a blade for about seven years. He testified "that he carried a knife 'more often than not' and had done so since 2018," according to prosecutor Benjamin Holt. Wazabanga has 12 previous convictions, including for knife possession where he threatened others.
Victim impact statements
A statement from Mr Aladejana's mother, Lola Paul, read in court, described her son as a "kind soul" who "always wanted to help people." She said: "Ayowale was a popular young man, he had lots of friends and was well liked. A mother should never have to bury their child." Katelyn Edwards, Mr Aladejana's partner, said: "The trauma of what happened has deeply affected my mental health. My partner was taken from us in the most violent way."
Defence and judge's remarks
Jenni Dempster KC, representing Wazabanga, said his letter to the judge "makes it clear that he's had time to reflect" and that he was just 23 at the time. She read excerpts in which Wazabanga admitted: "I understand that a life has been lost and that this situation has caused pain to many people, especially the family of the deceased, I do not take that lightly." He added he wants to become a better man. Judge Martyn Levett remarked: "The terrifying reality in this case is that you admitted to routinely carrying a knife. Once more the carrying of a knife and the use of it is another grim illustration of how knife crime is blighting the streets of the UK."
