An 18-year-old who travelled from Leeds to London before chasing and fatally stabbing a man outside his Westminster home has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 25 years.
Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, of Wesley Road, Leeds, murdered Farmanullah Sherzad, 26, on Abbey Orchard Street on March 27, 2026.
Tajzai pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on September 11 to murder and possession of a bladed article. On Friday, September 18, he was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve at least 25 years.
CCTV revealed journey from Leeds
Police were called to Abbey Orchard Street at around 10.15pm after Farmanullah was found suffering from stab wounds by a member of the public.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, he died around 20 minutes later.
Met detectives pieced together CCTV footage showing Tajzai buying a knife from a corner shop in Leeds before travelling by train to London on the day of the murder.
Further footage showed Tajzai waiting outside Farmanullah’s address as the 26-year-old returned home from work at around 10.15pm.
Farmanullah attempted to run away after seeing Tajzai, but he was chased onto Abbey Orchard Street and fatally stabbed.
After the attack, Tajzai fled and discarded a pair of black gloves near St James’s Park.
Forensic examination found Farmanullah’s blood on the gloves, while DNA recovered from inside them was linked to Tajzai.
Detectives also discovered CCTV showing Tajzai had travelled to London in the weeks before the murder and visited areas around Farmanullah’s home and workplace.
‘A void that can never be filled’
Farmanullah’s family said they had been left “utterly devastated and heartbroken” by his murder.
They said: “Farmanullah was a kind, gentle and free-spirited man. He was someone who would not hurt a fly.
“He lived his life peacefully, treated others with respect and sought only to live in harmony with those around him.
“Farmanullah deserved to live his life. He deserved to grow old surrounded by his family and loved ones. Instead, we are left mourning a life that was cruelly and prematurely taken from us.
“We will never forget him, and we will never stop grieving for him.”
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said his team had worked meticulously to bring together CCTV and forensic evidence.
He added: “Our thoughts remain with Farmanullah’s family and loved ones, who continue to face the unimaginable consequences of his death.
“While nothing can ever undo their pain and suffering, we hope this outcome provides them with some measure of justice.”
