Life Sentences for Trio in Wembley Revenge Stab Murder
Three men have been sentenced to life behind bars for the savage murder of Hamza Iqbal, who was stabbed 23 times in a brutal revenge attack on Wembley Way. The court heard the attackers were caught hiding out in Woolwich just days after the killing.
Revenge Plot Turns Deadly
Hamza, 25, was out with friends on the evening of September 24 last year when three youths armed with machetes ambushed them. Joshua Oladele, Micah Hines, and Ali Alamiri, all aged 21, launched the vicious attack on behalf of 28-year-old Dontae Smicle. Smicle had been stabbed 11 days earlier and wrongly believed Hamza’s group was behind it.
Smicle called Oladele, a drug runner since 13, and drove the gang to the scene. Witnesses saw the men hyping each other up, wearing hoodies and balaclavas, before the savage assault.
Chased Down and Stabbed 23 Times
When Hamza and his friends spotted their attackers, they tried to flee. But Oladele caught Hamza and stabbed him over and over while he lay helpless on the ground. Hines added three more stabs. Alamiri also targeted the others, slashing one man’s legs, though he escaped.
Hamza was rushed to Northwick Park Hospital but died about an hour later.
No Remorse from Killers
At Snaresbrook Crown Court, the attack was revealed as part of a gang turf war. Judge Rosa Dean called the killing a “punishment” and slammed the trio for showing no remorse. “None of you during the trial have shown any pity or a word of apology,” she said.
Oladele, Hines, and Alamiri claimed they were only trying to scare Hamza’s group, acting out of fear of Smicle. But the jury convicted all three of murder. Smicle, believed to have masterminded the attack, has fled abroad and is still at large.
The killers were handed life sentences with minimum terms of 28 years for Oladele, 25 for Hines, and 24 for Alamiri.
Family Mourns ‘Joker of the Household’
Hamza’s family described him as the “joker of the household” and a devoted Arsenal fan. One of six siblings, they voiced their heartbreak, especially for their mother. “There’s an empty void, an empty seat at the dinner table,” they said in a tearful statement.
The violent murder has left Wembley and Woolwich communities shaken as the hunt continues for Smicle.
