A man has been found guilty of murdering a 26-year-old man in New Cross, London, in a case that highlights the Metropolitan Police’s ongoing efforts to combat knife crime and serious violence. Ben Wazabanga, 23, from Fairfax Road, Bedford, was convicted of the murder of Ayowale Aladejana at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday. The verdict follows a detailed investigation that relied heavily on CCTV footage, phone data, and forensic evidence, all of which helped build a compelling case against the accused.
The tragic incident occurred on August 2, 2025, when police were called to a residential address on Monson Road, New Cross, after reports of a man with stab wounds. Officers arrived alongside the London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance, who attempted to save Mr Aladejana’s life. Despite their efforts, he died at the scene. A post-mortem examination conducted the following day confirmed the cause of death as a stab wound to the chest.
Investigators quickly began their work, reviewing local CCTV to identify a vehicle that had parked outside Mr Aladejana’s home and fled shortly before the emergency call. The car’s details were circulated widely, and it was later intercepted by armed police near Waterloo Bridge in central London. Mr Wazabanga, who was seen running from the vehicle with a knife in hand, was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Further analysis revealed that Mr Wazabanga had driven 50 miles from Bedford to New Cross to confront Mr Aladejana, his former business associate. The attack stemmed from a financial dispute, which fueled Wazabanga’s anger and led him to plan the violent confrontation. Phone records and CCTV footage confirmed his intent and movements, showing a deliberate and premeditated act.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who led the investigation, described the attack as “calculated and brutal.” She praised the swift response of frontline officers and the meticulous work of detectives in reconstructing the timeline. “Wazabanga alone used the knife to kill Aladejana,” she said. “This was a truly tragic and avoidable incident, and I hope today’s conviction brings some comfort to Aladejana’s family as they grieve.”
Mr Wazabanga is scheduled to be sentenced on July 13. The case underscores the dangers of unresolved disputes escalating into fatal violence and serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and police action in preventing such tragedies.
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