Teen Sentenced for Brutal Stabbing of Buba in Walthamstow
George Makia, now 18, has been handed a life sentence for fatally stabbing Bubacar Jabbie Dukureh, known as Buba, just metres from his home in Walthamstow. The attack happened on October 23, 2020, when Buba was stabbed in the chest and collapsed in a pool of blood on his doorstep after being assaulted by five teens.
Five Teenagers Behind Fatal Attack
- Earlier, four other teenagers—Samuel Bartley, Jamal Dakissaga-Benitez, Alfie Ferguson, and Kaiyan Decordova—were found guilty of Buba’s murder.
- Makia, who was just 15 at the time, missed the original trial after being taken abroad by his family. He only returned to the UK a week before proceedings began.
- Despite denying involvement, Makia was convicted in January after a separate trial.
Family Demands Justice, Offers £50K Reward
Buba’s devastated family described him as a “loving, friendly, popular and quiet” young man. His mother, Haja Dukureh, slammed the “vile killers” for not just taking her son’s life but also destroying their family with their “evil barbaric” actions.
“We hope and pray for justice for Baba,” said Haja.
“We opened our front door and saw our little brother lying in his blood. We will never forget seeing him like that. This tragedy has shattered our lives and we’re still grieving for Baba,” his siblings added.
Judge Condemns “Professional, Planned Ride-Out”
Judge Anuja Dhir KC told Makia: “This was a professional, coordinated, planned ride-out. Buba was not the intended target—he was simply there. You and your group murdered an unarmed victim.”
“It’s clear you acted as a team, regardless of who carried the knife,” she added.
Prosecutor James Dawes KC revealed CCTV footage showing the gang of attackers—two on bikes, three on foot—who belonged to the Higham Hill or Priory Court Boys gang. They targeted Buba because he looked like a member of a rival gang, the Mali Boys.
Jurors saw a chilling drill rap video from co-defendant Ferguson’s phone, glorifying the murder and focusing on Buba’s address. Makia had no part in making the video, the court was told.
The judge confirmed Ferguson inflicted the fatal 12cm wound. Although Makia was armed, he did not draw his knife during the attack.
Makia was sentenced to life with a minimum of 15 years behind bars on Friday.
