The family of an innocent man who was fatally shot and stabbed while cycling home after watching a football match have appealed for the public’s help to get justice.
Ola Raji, a 21-year-old student, was attacked and killed in Peckham on the night of Tuesday, 21 April 2015.
Ola had spent the evening at a friend’s house watching a Champions League football match between Bayern Munich and Porto. Later, while cycling on the East Surrey Grove estate, near Commercial Way, SE15, he was stabbed and shot in a senseless attack by two men. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Ola later died in the hospital.
Ten years on from his murder, Ola’s family and the officers leading the investigation are appealing for any information that could lead to the arrest, charge and prosecution of those responsible.
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 Ola’s murder. Police are particularly interested in speaking with witnesses described as a female driving a black Vauxhall Corsa in the area between 9:45 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. and two males who returned to an address in Pear Court at 23:10.
In an appeal for information, 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.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
Anyone with information can call 101 or message @MetCC on X, giving the reference 2597/16APR25. Information, including photos or videos, can be easily uploaded to the dedicated appeal page.
To provide information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They are an independent charity, separate from the police. They won’t ask for your name and can’t trace your call. The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police.
A reward code must be requested when calling the charity on 0800 555 111. If you contact Crimestoppers via the online form anonymously, the ‘keeping in contact’ facility must be used, and a reward code must be requested on your initial contact with the charity.
Detectives continue to investigate the possibility that Ola’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.
Three individuals were arrested on suspicion of murder. A further two individuals were arrested for perverting the course of justice. However, no further action was taken against these individuals, and no criminal charges were ever brought.
