A drill rapper who bragged in lyrics about avoiding detection—saying “no face, no case”—has been found guilty of stabbing a man to death in East London. Lekan Akinsoji, 27, and his accomplice Sundjata Keita, also 27, were convicted over the brutal 2017 killing of 21-year-old Ahmed Deen-Jah.
Brutal Attack Caught on CCTV
Just 10 days before the fatal stabbing, Akinsoji rapped about evading justice in a video titled Armed and Ready, boasting: “No face, no case, no evvy (evidence).” But CCTV footage showed Akinsoji and Keita, both dressed in all-black with balaclavas and gloves, chasing down Mr Deen-Jah after he bought a lighter near Custom House station.
The victim ran into BJ Wines to escape, but the pair caught him and stabbed him in the heart during a violent struggle. Despite their efforts to hide their identities, the CCTV caught the chilling moment. Mr Deen-Jah, known on the streets as “Grinna,” was pronounced dead at the scene just 130 metres from his home.
Gang Rivalry Behind the Murder
Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC told the jury: “This killing was not a spontaneous act of violence but a planned attack amidst ongoing street warfare between two East London gangs.” Mr Deen-Jah was part of the Custom House gang, while Akinsoji admitted membership in the rival Woodgrange gang. Keita denied any affiliation.
The court heard that the pair had been on a ‘ride-out’—a targeted drive through enemy territory hunting rivals—when they struck. Akinsoji later jailed for 20 years for a separate 2018 conspiracy involving grievous bodily harm and firearms.
Justice After Years of Pain
Akinsoji, from Forest Gate and also known as “CB” or “Cracky Blacks,” denied involvement during the trial but was caught out by evidence and chilling CCTV. Keita chose not to testify. Both were convicted of murder by a majority verdict of 10 to 2 and await sentencing on October 24.
Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen said: “Eight years on from Ahmed’s vicious murder, his family finally have the justice they deserve. Akinsoji and Keita spent years thinking they had got away with it, but thanks to persistent police work, they have been held to account.”
Ahmed’s father expressed relief, thanking police for their hard work in securing a conviction. Superintendent Allen added, “This case highlights the Met Police’s commitment to justice and making sure those responsible for violent crime cannot harm others.”
