Killer who drove 50 miles with two children in automobile to stab enterprise associate jailed for all times
Ben Wazabanga, 24, was jailed for life with a minimum of 24 years for killing Ayowale Aladejana outside his home in New Cross, south London, after a falling out over money invested into a car rental business
Ben Wazabanga, 24, murdered Ayowale Aladejana outside his residence in Monson Road, New Cross(Image: UKNIP)
A man who fatally stabbed his business partner after driving more than 50 miles to confront him with two young children in the vehicle has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years.
Ben Wazabanga, 24, murdered Ayowale Aladejana outside his residence in Monson Road, New Cross, south London, following a dispute over funds invested in a car rental enterprise.
Southwark Crown Court had previously been told that Mr Aladejana, 26, had established the venture, with Wazabanga participating as a financial backer. However, in the weeks leading up to his death, Wazabanga and his partner Ronique Belfon, another investor, had found it difficult to contact Mr Aladejana as the enterprise collapsed and accumulated debts.
Ben Wazabanga(Image: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)
On August 2, 2025, Wazabanga equipped himself with a hunting knife as he and Ms Belfon journeyed from Bedford to south London to locate their business partner.
The court was told the pair made the trip with two young children in the vehicle, with the youngsters remaining in the car as the killing took place a short distance away.
In June, Wazabanga was convicted by a jury of murder and on Tuesday received his sentence at the Old Bailey of life with a minimum period of 24 years. He had admitted to possessing an article with a blade or a point at a hearing in October 2025 and subsequently confessed to violating a suspended sentence.
Ayowale Aladejana(Image: Met Police)
He received concurrent terms of 18 months and 12 months respectively for both offences. Wazabanga, who attended court via video-link from prison, observed the sentencing in silence while either sitting upright or resting with his chin propped on his hands at a table.
Ms Belfon, 23, was acquitted of murder, after she informed the trial she was completely unaware her partner was carrying a knife or planning violence.
Prosecutor James Brown KC informed the trial that Wazabanga knifed Mr Aladejana in the chest, during a daylight altercation which was partly recorded on a ring doorbell camera.
He escaped following the stabbing before momentarily returning to collect the mobile phone he had dropped, then departing in the vehicle Ms Belfon was operating.
Mr Brown informed jurors that Wazabanga harboured a “real axe to grind against Mr Aladejana”, having invested money for vehicle repairs for the A2M2 car rental enterprise.
Messages presented at trial revealed the mounting attempts by Wazabanga and Ms Belfon to recover their losses and locate Mr Aladejana.
Wazabanga maintained he had acted in self-defence when knifing Mr Aladejana, but the court also received evidence that he routinely carried a blade and had done so for approximately seven years.
Wazabanga and Belfon were apprehended by police near Waterloo Bridge, central London, in the evening following the stabbing.
The defendant possesses numerous previous convictions for 12 offences, including convictions which concern possession of knives, one of which involved him threatening others with it, Benjamin Holt, prosecuting, stated on Tuesday. Mr Holt revealed that the defendant testified “that he carried a knife ‘more often than not’ and had done so since 2018”.
A statement from Mr Aladejana’s mother, Lola Paul, was read out in court, where she portrayed her son as a “kind soul” who “always wanted to help people”. She said: “Ayowale was a popular young man, he had lots of friends and was well liked. A mother should never have to bury their child.”
Katelyn Edwards, Mr Aladejana’s partner, expressed: “The trauma of what happened has deeply affected my mental health. My partner was taken from us in the most violent way.”
Jenni Dempster KC, representing Wazabanga, stated in his letter to the judge, he “makes it clear that he’s had time to reflect”. She said: “He was just 23 at the time of the incident.”
Ms Dempster read excerpts from a letter by Wazabanga, in which he admitted: “I understand that a life has been lost and that this situation has caused pain to many people, especially the family of the deceased, I do not take that lightly.”
He also mentioned that since being in custody he has attempted to use his time “in a way that will help me grow”. He added he “wants to become a better man”.
Judge Martyn Levett remarked: “The terrifying reality in this case is that you admitted to routinely carrying a knife.” He added: “Once more the carrying of a knife and the use of it is another grim illustration of how knife crime is blighting the streets of the UK.”
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