The Metropolitan Police have released images of the four individuals who have been found guilty of a gruesome murder that shook the community. Saydi Abu Sheikh, 23, and Zakariya Jeilani Mohamed, 31, were killed during a midnight raid at a residence on Henley Road, Ilford. A third man, Khalid Khalid, was shot but survived along with two others who managed to escape or hide.
The convicted individuals, Chibuike Ohanweh, 21, of Heath Park Road, Romford; Ayaanle Adan, 20, from East Street, Barking; Mahad Gouled, 22, from Charles Street, Enfield; and Zain Mirza, 21, of Third Avenue, Manor Park, had all denied double murder, two charges of attempted murder, and perverting the course of justice. A jury deliberated for over 40 hours to find them guilty on all counts.
Zakarie Mohamad, 19, of Kensal Rise, Kensington, had admitted to perverting the course of justice by destroying the car but was cleared of the murder and attempted murder charges.
The attack, believed to be in revenge for the killing of Zain Mirza’s brother in 2019, was meticulously planned. Despite being in prison for a drug offence at the time, Mirza orchestrated the attack while keeping himself at arm’s length from the actual violence.
Prosecutor John Price KC stated, “He was the one who most wanted it done. His motive was revenge.”
Saydi Abu Sheikh, also known as “Giddy,” was a key member of the Ilford gang called Drillford. The defendants were associated with the rival Only Manor (OM) gang in Newham. The two gangs had been engaged in violent conflicts for approximately five years leading up to the murders.
Mirza’s brother, Mohammed Usman Mirza, was murdered in November 2019, and one of those convicted in connection with the killing had close ties to Sheikh.
Judge Mark Lucraft KC remanded the guilty parties into custody to await sentencing, which is scheduled for next Tuesday.
The scene that greeted authorities on Henley Road, Ilford, was described as “bloody carnage,” with two victims dead and another gravely wounded. Fortunately, the third man, Khalid Khalid, managed to survive despite suffering six gunshot wounds.
The survivors, Ali Sheikh and Zachary Abdi, provided critical testimony about the attackers’ actions, which were further substantiated by CCTV footage and DNA evidence.
