Four men have been jailed for a total of 91 years after being found guilty of the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Wazabakana Kukabu, known as Jordan to his loved ones, in Dagenham last year. The convictions come after a detailed investigation led by dedicated Metropolitan Police detectives.
At the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 15 October, the court sentenced the four defendants involved in the brutal murder:
- Michael Tommy-Mbogba, 21, from Harlow, was sentenced to 29 years in prison.
- Toulwalase Odunewu, 18, from Romford, received a 23-year sentence.
- A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to 16 years.
- A 17-year-old, also unnamed, was sentenced to 23 years for the murder and was additionally found guilty of attempted murder.
The tragic incident occurred on the night of 5 May 2023. Jordan and a friend had driven to Dagenham Heathway station, where they were ambushed by the four defendants, who were armed with machetes. Jordan was stabbed in the chest while sitting in the back seat of the car. Though he managed to run from the scene and seek help from a passing car, he collapsed soon after and was pronounced dead despite the efforts of police officers and emergency services.
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Semple, who led the investigation, extended her deepest condolences to Jordan’s family:
“I want to extend our deepest condolences to Jordan’s family and those who knew him—our thoughts very much remain with them today. I would also like to thank those witnesses who came forward and provided crucial evidence during the trial, as well as acknowledge the incredible efforts of those Met officers and other emergency service staff who tried so desperately to save Jordan’s life.”
She also emphasized the devastating impact of knife crime on communities and the Met’s commitment to working with partners and charities like the Ben Kinsella Trust to combat violence and make London safer.
The investigation was able to bring justice after detectives pieced together crucial CCTV footage, tracked witness testimony, and located key forensic evidence, including a blood-stained knife linked to Tommy-Mbogba. One witness even recalled seeing the defendants on a bus re-enacting the fatal stabbing after the attack.
In addition to Jordan’s murder, the 17-year-old defendant was found guilty of attempted murder of Jordan’s friend, while the other three were convicted of grievous bodily harm (GBH) against the same victim. All four defendants were also found guilty of a separate violent disorder incident that took place two days before the murder.
In an emotional statement, Jordan’s father expressed his gratitude to those involved in the case:
“My son possessed beauty both inside and out. He had a pure heart and was so gentle he would not harm anyone, yet his life was taken so prematurely. I can only visit Jordan’s grave and mourn the loss of his beautiful presence to this world.”
Jordan’s mother added:
“Words will never explain the pain and devastation I have writing this. Jordan has a family who love him so much and you took my precious son away from us. He always showed his whole family and everyone who knew him love and affection.”
If you are concerned about knife crime or know someone who carries a weapon, or if you have been a victim or are at risk of becoming a victim, please visit the Crimestoppers website or the Met’s ‘Stop Knife Crime’ web pages.
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