Four men have been sentenced in connection with the brutal murder of 26-year-old Anselam Senaj, who was fatally stabbed in a car in East Ham, east London, on Saturday, 11 November 2023.
The sentencing took place today at the Old Bailey, following a complex investigation by the Metropolitan Police, which included the extradition of one suspect from the Netherlands.
The Sentencing
The men were sentenced as follows:
- Muhammad Saqib Khan, 24, of Walton Road, Manor Park, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 26 years for murder and possession of a knife.
- Muhammad Samiyul Miah, 19, of Jack Cornwell Street, Manor Park, received life with a minimum of 25 years for murder and possession of a knife.
- Ibrahim Naim, 18, of Clacton Road, East Ham, was sentenced to 10.5 years for manslaughter.
- Zain Ali, 22, of Poulett Road, East Ham, was sentenced to 14 years for manslaughter.
“A Cold-Blooded Assault”
Detective Sergeant Brett Hagen, who led the investigation, said:
“Anselam Senaj was killed in a brutal cold-blooded assault which lasted seconds, but was so severe he died at the scene.
Our team conducted a thorough and detailed investigation which led to the arrest of three of the suspects within two weeks of the attack.
We’d like to thank our partner agencies who helped ensure the arrest of the final suspect, and bring the case to trial to secure justice for Anselam.
Our thoughts remain with Anselam’s friends and family as they move forward with their lives, safe in the knowledge his attackers are behind bars where they belong.”
The Attack and Investigation
During a 14-week trial, the court heard that the group ambushed Anselam while he was travelling in the back seat of a taxi. At the junction of Victoria Avenue and Grangewood Street, the gang used a stolen car to block the taxi, then launched the fatal assault.
Despite rapid emergency response, Anselam was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Met’s Specialist Crime Command launched an urgent investigation, executing warrants on 22 November 2023 at addresses across London. That operation led to the arrest of Miah, Ali, and Naim, who were all charged that same night.
Forensic analysis of the suspects’ clothing and mobile phone data revealed strong links to drug dealing and implicated all four men in the fatal attack.
International Manhunt for Fourth Suspect
Detectives later identified Muhammad Saqib Khan as a key suspect. After fleeing to Amsterdam, the Met worked with Dutch authorities and international law enforcement to track him down.
Khan was arrested on 4 December 2023 and extradited to the UK on 12 January 2024, where he was formally charged with murder and possession of a knife.
Justice Delivered
On Monday, 13 January 2025, Khan and Miah were convicted of murder, while Naim and Ali were convicted of manslaughter.
Today’s sentencing marks the end of a complex and far-reaching investigation that brought four violent offenders to justice for a killing that shocked the East London community.
Anyone with concerns about crime in their area can contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
