Teen Sentenced for Brutal Walthamstow Stabbing
George Makia, now 18, was jailed for life after stabbing Bubacar Jabbie Dukureh to death just metres from his home in October 2020. The attack involved five teenagers and shocked the Walthamstow community.
Five Teens Found Guilty in Chilling Murder
Makia, who was just 15 at the time, joined four others already convicted: Samuel Bartley, 19, Jamal Dakissaga-Benitez, 19, Alfie Ferguson, 19, and Kaiyan Decordova, 20. The others were found guilty in an earlier trial. Makia’s trial was delayed as his family took him abroad, only returning to the UK days before proceedings began.
Victim’s Family Offer £50,000 Reward for Justice
Bubacar, known as Buba, was stabbed in the chest on October 23, 2020, collapsing outside his front door in a pool of blood. His devastated family described him as a loving, quiet young man taken too soon by what his mother called “evil barbaric” killers.
“We opened our front door and saw our little brother lying in his blood,” said his brothers. “We are still grieving for what has happened to Baba.”
His mother, Haja Dukureh, added: “The vile killers not only took Baba’s life but have ruined our family. We hope and pray for justice for Baba.”
Judge Calls Killing ‘Professional, Coordinated Ride-Out’
Judge Anuja Dhir KC handed Makia a life sentence with a minimum of 15 years behind bars. She described the attack as planned and coordinated. “Bubacar was not the intended target. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time,” she said.
“You and your group worked together as a team. Your victim was unarmed and had no chance.”
Gang Rivalry Behind Deadly Attack
Prosecutor James Dawes KC revealed the attackers were caught on CCTV — two on bikes, three on foot. They belonged to the Higham Hill or Priory Court Boys gang, locked in turf wars with the Drive Marlowe and St James or Mali Boys gangs.
The Crown claimed Buba was mistaken for a rival gang member, which sealed his fate.
Jurors were shown a grim drill rap video found on one killer’s phone that appeared to glorify the murder, focusing on the victim’s address. Makia denied making the video, and the judge accepted he did not wield the fatal knife—Alfie Ferguson inflicted the deadly 12cm wound.
