Fresh clues in unsolved murder of student, 21, shot & stabbed while cycling home in ‘senseless’ attack a decade ago
FRESH clues have been revealed in the unsolved murder of a student who was fatally shot and stabbed while cycling home from a friend’s house.
Ola Raji, 21, was senselessly attacked in Peckham, South London, in 2015 and tragically died later that evening in hospital.
The student had been cycling home after watching a Champions League football match between Bayern Munich and Porto.
Later, while cycling on the East Surrey Grove estate, near Commercial Way, he was mercilessly stabbed and shot by two men.
Emergency services were called to the scene but despite their best efforts, Ola was soon pronounced dead.
Three people were arrested on suspicion of murder and two others for perverting the course of justice.
However, no criminal charges were ever brought.
A decade on, the Met Police have revealed new clues in the unsolved murder – calling on three particular individuals to come forward to speak.
In a statement, the force said they would like to talk to a woman who was driving a black Vauxhall Corsa between 9:45pm and 11pm and two men who returned to an address in Pear Court at 11:30pm.
Cops and Ola’s family have urged members of the public to come forward with any information.
The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that helps identify those responsible for Ola’s murder.
In a heartbreaking plea for the public’s help, Ola’s sisters, Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware said: “This is a painful reminder of 10 years of loss — our family is not going to get that time back.
“When we get together, there is always that sense of something missing.
“There are children who never get to know their Uncle, who would still be so young even now.
“The laughter we share is that little less loud. There is a smile absent in the photographss.
“But this is not just about our family. It’s about safety on the streets of Peckham and the wider South London area.
“There is no doubt the people who did this once could carry out similar attacks again. Maybe they already have.
“We are getting closer to the truth — for example, we now know about phone calls Ola received shortly before the attack.
The laughter we share is that little less loud. There is a smile absent in the photograph
Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware
“Just the smallest piece of evidence from any witnesses or those with knowledge of what happened could be enough to put those responsible behind bars and make the streets safer for the entire community.”
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who is leading the investigation, said: “Ola was an innocent man, in the wrong place at the worst time.
“His murder has devastated his friends and family, and those in the local community.
“Ten years on, we continue to appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward.
His murder has devastated his friends and family, and those in the local community
Zainab Raji and Ruki Ware
“Were you out in Peckham that night? Were you also watching the football that night, or were you near Commercial Way?”
“Did you see or hear the shooting or anything that struck you as being unusual?
“No piece of information is too small, and could be the final piece of the puzzle that leads us to identify Ola’s attackers.”
Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at Crimestoppers said: “As the family of Ola Raji continue their heartfelt appeal for justice 10 years after this tragic murder, we want to remind people that his attackers have still not been caught.
“This is deeply unsettling for his loved ones and the local community. That is why, as part of this 10th-anniversary appeal, we are offering up to £20,000 for information received by our charity Crimestoppers that helps lead to the conviction of Ola’s attackers.
“We know that there may be several witnesses who have information but for whatever reason talking to the police is not an option.
“We are an independent charity, separate from the police, and we are unable to identify anyone who contacts us.”
Anyone with information can call 101 or message @MetCC on X, giving the reference 2597/16APR25.
Information, including photos or videos, can also be easily uploaded to the dedicated appeal page.