Ben Wazabanga, 24, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 24 years for the murder of his business associate Ayowale Aladejana, 26, outside his home in Monson Road, New Cross, on August 2, 2025. The attack followed a falling-out over money invested in a failed car rental business.
Details of the Attack
Wazabanga armed himself with a hunting knife and travelled more than 50 miles from Bedford to south London with his partner, Ronique Belfon, 23, and two small children in the car. The children were present in the vehicle as the murder unfolded a short distance away. The daytime confrontation was partially captured on a ring doorbell camera. Prosecutor James Brown KC told Southwark Crown Court that Wazabanga stabbed Aladejana in the chest before fleeing, briefly returning to retrieve a dropped mobile phone, and then leaving in the car driven by Belfon.
Business Dispute and Motive
Aladejana had set up a car rental business, with Wazabanga and Belfon joining as investors. In the weeks before the murder, they had a falling out over money invested as the business failed and ran up debts. Messages aired at trial showed escalating efforts by Wazabanga and Belfon to recoup their losses. Wazabanga claimed he acted in self-defence, but the court heard he had habitually carried a knife for around seven years.
Sentencing and Statements
Wazabanga was found guilty of murder by a jury in June 2025 and sentenced at the Old Bailey on Tuesday. He received a life sentence with a minimum term of 24 years. He had previously pleaded guilty to having an article with a blade or a point and admitted breaching a suspended sentence, receiving concurrent sentences of 18 months and 12 months respectively. Belfon was cleared of murder, having told the trial she had no idea Wazabanga was armed or intent on violence.
In a statement read to the court, Aladejana’s mother, Lola Paul, 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.” His partner, Katelyn Edwards, said: “The trauma of what happened has deeply affected my mental health. My partner was taken from us in the most violent way.”
Judge Martyn Levett remarked: “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.”
