Kenneth Okafor, 20, was caught carrying a handgun and a knife during a routine anti-social behaviour crackdown on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in London. British Transport Police stopped him at All Saints station at around 5pm on Friday, 4 October 2019.
Following the arrest, officers conducted a search of Okafor’s home in Tower Hamlets. This search uncovered equipment that could be used to make makeshift ammunition. Forensic tests confirmed that the crude handgun was capable of firing this ammunition, raising serious safety concerns.
Detective Constable Mike Ganly of British Transport Police said, “Okafor had an unhealthy interest in firearms and ammunition – both have no place on the rail network where they can put other passengers at risk.”
At Inner London Crown Court on 6 November, Okafor was sentenced to two years in a young offender institution. He was found guilty of possessing a firearm, carrying ammunition, and having a knife in a public place.
Detective Ganly added, “We patrol the rail network constantly with intelligence-led operations to keep Londoners safe. People caught carrying weapons like Okafor will face the consequences.”
Where: All Saints DLR station, Tower Hamlets, London
When: Stopped at 5pm, Friday 4 October 2019
Sentence: Two years’ detention in a young offenders institution
Charges: Possession of firearm, ammunition, and knife in public
Originally published by UKNIP.
