£20K reward offered for information about ‘kind-hearted’ father stabbed to death in street

The family of a “kind-hearted” father who was stabbed to death in the street are pleading for anyone with information to come forward as a £20,000 reward has been offered.

Emmanuel Ogabi, who was aged 26, was stabbed to death in Sandy Hill Road, Woolwich, on October 21, 2021.

Speaking on behalf of Emmanuel’s family, his father, Pastor Samuel Ogabi, said: “Emmanuel Ayodeji Ogabi was a kind-hearted, polite, hard-working and respectful son and brother to his three siblings. He also had a good sense of humour and cared about his family and friends.

“He left behind a three-year-old daughter at the time of his murder and was loved by every member of our family, friends and at our place of worship.

“The impact of his death is indescribable. We are still in shock and are struggling to come to terms with the fact that Emmanuel will never be at any family gatherings. Our family will never be the same without him.

“His death has left a big hole in our hearts. He will be missed. Justice must be served. Our son was brutally snatched from us.”

The Met had previously charged three people with Mr Ogabi’s murder. Two were released prior to trial following applications to dismiss from the defence, and another was found not guilty at trial in January 2023.

Detectives investigating the murder have released new images of people they would like to speak to as part of their investigation.

A £20,000 reward for information is also on offer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of outstanding suspects.

Met Detective Inspector Martin Thomas, who is leading the investigation, said: “I am keen to hear from anyone who has any information about the murder of Emmanuel. Your information, no matter how small could help us make progress.

“Emmanuel’s family face every day knowing that their son’s killers are walking the streets. No family should lose a son in these circumstances, which is why we are so determined to find the people who took Emmanuel away from them.

“We have issued a series of images of people we would like to speak to in relation to the murder. If you know or recognise any of these people, contact police as soon as possible on 101 stating CAD 4469/19122023 or call independent charity crime stoppers Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.”

Pictured top: Inset, Emmanuel Ogabi, and Sandy Hill Road in Woolwich, where he was killed (Picture: The Met/Google Street View)