A renewed appeal has been made by the family of a 21-year-old student who was tragically shot and stabbed while cycling home after watching a football match, seeking public assistance to identify those responsible. Ola Raji spent the night of April 21, 2015, at a friend’s house in south London, watching a Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Porto. Later that evening, while cycling on the East Surrey Grove estate near Commercial Way in Peckham, he was attacked by two men and subsequently died in the hospital.
Reflecting on the ten-year anniversary of Raji’s death, his sisters, Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware, expressed the enduring pain and loss their family continues to experience, emphasizing that “Our family is not going to get that time back.” The family has made a heartfelt appeal, highlighting the void left by Raji’s absence.
Crimestoppers, an independent charity, has offered a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for Raji’s murder. The Metropolitan Police have expressed interest in contacting potential witnesses, including a woman driving a black Vauxhall Corsa in the vicinity between 21:45 and 23:00, as well as two men who returned to Pear Court at 23:10.
In their plea for information, Raji’s sisters remarked on the noticeable gap in their lives, noting how family gatherings are tinged with the absence of their brother. They stressed the broader implications for the community’s safety, warning that the perpetrators could potentially pose a continued threat. They revealed new insights into the case, such as phone calls Raji received before the attack, and called for even the smallest piece of evidence to help bring justice and safety to the streets of Peckham and surrounding areas.
Despite challenges in the investigation, Raji’s family disclosed to MailOnline the discovery of two new witnesses after conducting their own inquiries due to perceived shortcomings in the police investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, leading the investigation, reiterated the appeal for information, describing Raji as an innocent victim caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. He encouraged anyone who was in Peckham that night, whether watching football or near Commercial Way, to report anything unusual they might have seen or heard.
Alexa Loukas, London regional manager at Crimestoppers, described the impact of Raji’s death as deeply unsettling for both his loved ones and the local community. The Metropolitan Police continue to explore the possibility that Raji’s attackers left the scene on foot. Although three individuals were initially arrested on suspicion of murder and two for perverting the course of justice, no charges have been filed against them.
The police urge anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 and referencing 2597/16APR25, or by uploading any relevant photos or videos to the dedicated appeal page. The family and authorities remain hopeful that new information will come to light, providing closure and enhancing the safety of the community.