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Two teenagers have been jailed after the brutal fatal stabbing of Abdul Jalloh in Tower Hamlets last summer.
Shamiah McKenzie, 18, of Colvin Close, Lewisham, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years for the murder of 23-year-old Abdul Jalloh. Codee Godfrey, 19, of Grosvenor Wharf Road, Tower Hamlets, received a nine-year sentence for manslaughter.
The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey on Friday, 20 June, following their convictions on 12 June, after a seven-week trial.
The Attack
Abdul Jalloh was attacked at around 4:15pm on 5 August 2024 while sitting behind the wheel of his car on New Union Close, E14. He was unarmed and unable to defend himself when the pair launched their violent assault, fatally stabbing him in the neck.
Despite emergency services‘ efforts, Abdul died shortly after the attack.
The Investigation
Detectives from Specialist Crime North led an intensive investigation. CCTV showed McKenzie and Godfrey circling the Isle of Dogs on bicycles for more than an hour before ambushing Abdul.
After the murder, the pair attempted to destroy evidence—discarding the murder weapon and McKenzie’s bike in the Thames at Caledonian Wharf, and packing their blood-stained clothes into bags.
Those bags were later recovered and were found to contain:
- £3,000 worth of cannabis
- £2,000 in cash
- A vacuum sealing machine
- Business cards linking them to drug dealing operations
After changing clothes, the teens returned to the area while officers were still investigating the scene, apparently confident their new appearance would go unnoticed.
They later turned themselves in on 8 August 2024 and were charged the next day.
Police Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Waller said:
“Our thoughts are with Abdul Jalloh’s family and friends. This senseless act highlights the devastating impact of knife crime.
“Thanks to the dedication of officers and the bravery of community members who provided crucial evidence, two dangerous individuals have been brought to justice.”
Community Response
The case drew strong reactions in east London, particularly in Tower Hamlets and Lewisham, where many residents have called for more action against youth violence and knife crime.
If you have information about knife crime in your area, contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
