Chaos at Asake Gig: Security Bribery Alleged in Fatal Crowd Crush
A deadly crush erupted at a Nigerian musician Asake’s show after ticketless revellers tried to storm the venue. The chaos on December 15 saw security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23, and Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, tragically killed.
Security Bribery Claims Shake Venue
Shocking new allegations reveal that some security staff at the Brixton O2 Academy may have pocketed bribes to let in hundreds of people without tickets. A whistleblowing guard told BBC’s File On 4 that staff were taking cash payments ranging up to £1,000, while management turned a blind eye.
“People were taking money… Some employees made £1,000 cash,” the insider said. “Our company knew what was going on and knew who was doing it, and they did nothing about it.”
Official Probe Launched Amid Licence Suspension
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has opened its own investigation into the bribery claims, working alongside the Metropolitan Police. Paul Fullwood, SIA’s director of inspections, stated:
“As the UK’s regulator of the private security industry, we take allegations of corruption by security operatives extremely seriously. We will review licensing arrangements and take appropriate action against any individual or company engaging in such practices.”
Meanwhile, Lambeth Council has suspended the venue’s licence for three months. The Academy Music Group, which owns the venue, backed the decision and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
What Went Wrong That Night?
The horror unfolded shortly after 8pm when a crowd of about 1,000 built up outside the entrance. By 9pm, venue staff had shut the doors and called police at 9:04pm. Cops arrived 12 minutes later to find a chaotic scene — crowds pushing and forcing their way inside.
Once the doors were broken down, revellers flooded the lobby and auditorium. Several people fell and were trampled in the crush. The final injury toll remains unknown, but aside from the two dead, a third person remains in critical condition.
Several people were injured as the crowd surged on and over those who had fallen,” said Gerald Gouriet KC, representing the Met Police. “We don’t yet know the total number, which will be determined as the investigation continues.”
