Notting Hill Carnival killing of ‘talented rapper’ sees £20K reward offered for information

A £20,000 reward has been offered for anyone who has information about the killing of dad-to-be Takayo Nembhard at Notting Hill Carnival last year.

Takayo, aged 21, was stabbed to death on August 29, 2022, in Ladbroke Grove, under the Westway flyover.

A post-mortem examination showed he died from a stab wound to the right groin femoral artery.

The Met said several arrests have been made in connection to the killing, the most recent coming last week, but no one has yet been charged with Takayo’s murder.

Takayo’s family said in a statement: “Almost a year on, our family are in disbelief and continued sadness that Takayo’s passing goes unpunished.

“We will never get over him but justice being served will help us to move on.”

Takayo was attacked at around 8pm and later died in hospital.

The Met said there were several hundred people in the immediate area surrounding the murder and probably many witnesses.

Detective Inspector Laura Semple, from Specialist Crime, said: “It has been a year since Takayo died and his family remain devastated at his loss. His son, who was born in November, is growing up having never known his dad.

“Takayo was a talented rapper and singer from Bristol who had visited the carnival with his friends and sister. He had done nothing to provoke the attack that day.

“We still really need the help of anyone who has information to bring those responsible to justice. I hope the offer of this substantial reward from the charity Crimestoppers with the appeal to contact them anonymously will encourage people to do the right thing.”

The reward from Crimestoppers is for anonymous information that leads to a conviction. The charity take your information and pass it on to detectives whilst guaranteeing total anonymity.

Officers will be at Notting Hill Carnival this weekend talking to visitors and making fresh appeals.

Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: “Takayo was part of a loving and caring family. At the time of his murder, he and his girlfriend were expecting their first child together.

“I know how hard it is to speak up, but you could make a difference. Every piece of information, no matter how small, is a step closer towards finding justice for Takayo.”

A dedicated page has been set up where witnesses can upload photos and videos of the incident. It is simple to use and can be accessed here

Information can also be provided by calling the incident room directly on 020 7175 2206 to speak to an officer, by calling 101 or by tweeting @MetCC quoting 7478/29AUG22.

Anyone wishing to remain 100 per cent anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling freephone 0800 555 111. They never ask for your personal information and they do not track your device.

To qualify for the reward, you must contact Crimestoppers directly. The reward is valid between 23 August and 23 November 2023 for information they exclusively receive and pass on that leads to conviction.

Five people have been arrested in connection with Takayo’s murder and released under investigation.

A 23-year-old man was arrested in Shepherds Bush on Friday on suspicion of murder and has been bailed until a date in mid-November.

Pictured top: Takayo Nembhard and the scene in Ladbroke Grove after his killing last year (Picture: The Met and PA)