Guilty of Hackney murder: but he didn’t act alone

HOW DID Israel Ogunsola die? There are two versions of that story – and both were put forward during a three week trial last month at the Old Bailey..

The police story was that two of their officers were patrolling Morning Lane, E9 in the evening of 4th April – and were called over to Link Street, which has a junction with Morning Lane, by members of the public. There, they found Israel Ogunsola, 18, suffering from stab wounds. They were joined by an off-duty paramedic and the three of them administered first aid until the London Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance arrived. Despite receiving prompt attention, Israel died minutes later – from multiple stab wounds.

Members of the public later described how they had seen two men get out of a car and attack Ogunsola, who was riding a bicycle, with knives. One eye witness described the attack as “relentless” and clearly aimed at killing the victim. Later that evening, the police arrested Jonathan Abora, 18, of Dalmeny Avenue, N7 – who was just 17 at the time of the murder.

Abora put his version of events to the Court too. He admitted he had been in the area that night – driving a car round parts of Hackney, with a friend. He admitted he was there when Israel died and he admitted he was carrying a knife which he said was in order to protect himself if he should be attacked.

He claimed that he did not attack Ogunsola but that Ogunsola had attacked Abora’s friend, and Abora had acted in self defence, trying to protect his friend. He would not give the name of his “friend”.

The jury did not believe him Jonathan Abora. His trial ended with him being found guilty of murder.

DCI Chris Soole, from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, said, “Israel was hunted by Abora who was armed and ruthless in his efforts to kill. Abora’s attempts to claim self-defence were examined within the trial and ultimately found wanting by the jury. He will have plenty of time to think about his actions in prison, where he belongs.

“Whilst Abora has been convicted, we know he did not act alone. We will continue to do everything we can to trace a second suspect. There are people in the area who know what happened that have yet to call police. Their information is vital to securing important evidence and apprehending everyone involved.”

•Anyone with information which could assist the police in identifying and locating the second suspect can give information via the incident room on 020-8345 3734. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111, where you can give information anonymously.

•Read more about this story:
Hackney murder: community needs to come forward

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