The family of Ola Raji, a 21-year-old student who was fatally shot and stabbed while cycling home in Peckham, have made an emotional appeal on the 10th anniversary of his murder, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Ola was ambushed on the night of Tuesday, April 21, 2015, as he rode his bicycle on the East Surrey Grove estate, near Commercial Way, after watching a Champions League football match between Bayern Munich and Porto at a friend’s home. He was attacked by two men in a brutal and senseless act of violence. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Ola died in hospital from his injuries.
A decade later, Ola’s family and detectives from the Metropolitan Police continue to seek justice, with Crimestoppers offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to a conviction.
“A painful reminder of 10 years of loss”
In a heartfelt statement, 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.
There are children who never got to know their uncle. The laughter we share is a little less loud. There’s a smile missing from our photographs.”
They stressed that the appeal is not just about their family’s loss but about the safety of the wider Peckham community.
“There is no doubt the people who did this once could do it again. Maybe they already have. Just one small piece of evidence could finally lead to justice.”
Police Identify Key Witnesses
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who is leading the investigation, described Ola as an “innocent man, in the wrong place at the worst time.” He confirmed police are still following leads and now have information about phone calls Ola received shortly before the attack.
“We are particularly keen to speak to:
- A woman driving a black Vauxhall Corsa in the area between 21:45 and 23:00
- Two men who returned to Pear Court at 23:10”
Officers believe the suspects may have fled on foot via a cut-through from Cator Street into Sumner Road, then onto Rosemary Road toward the Surrey Canal Path.
Community Urged to Break Silence
Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said:
“It’s deeply unsettling that Ola’s killers remain free. If you know something, but fear speaking to police, you can contact us anonymously. We never ask for your name and cannot trace your call.”
The charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information provided directly to Crimestoppers that leads to a conviction.
How to Help
- Call police on 101 or message @MetCC quoting 2597/16APR25
- Submit photos or videos via the Met Police’s dedicated appeal portal
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
(Request a reward code when calling or use the “keeping in contact” facility online)
Despite arrests made early in the investigation—including three on suspicion of murder and two for perverting the course of justice—no charges were brought, and the case remains unsolved.
Ola Raji’s family continues to wait for answers—and justice.
